Got a bad case of poison ivy? AFC Fountain City can help! Visit our walk-in clinic any day of the week for fast & affordable treatment.
Poison ivy can sneak up on you whether you realize it or not. Maybe you were exploring Sharp’s Ridge or enjoying a peaceful evening outside. You may not have seen the plant, but it found you, and now you have a rash. Can urgent care treat poison ivy or is this something only the emergency room can take care of?
Finding care can be confusing, but at AFC we make it simple. Our clinic can treat up to 70% of the same conditions an ER can, including poison ivy rashes. No more expensive medical bills and long waiting times, AFC provides affordable health care for our Fountain City community.
Visit AFC Fountain City today!
So, What Is Poison Ivy?
This pesky plant is found in every state except for Alaska and Hawaii. Each vine has three leaves and can grow as either a vine or shrub. Poison ivy is mostly known for causing an itchy skin rash thanks to an oily sap known as urushiol. Poison ivy, oak and sumac produce this oil causing that irritating rash we know all too well.
Even in small amounts, urushiol is highly contagious.
Why Does Poison Ivy Make Me Itch?
After encountering poison ivy, allergic contact dermatitis sets in. This is a specific type of dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction. Interestingly, 85-90% of people are allergic to urushiol, making this itchy and irritating rash very common.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy
Symptoms of poison ivy differ in severity depending on the person. For some, symptoms are present within hours after touching urushiol. Others may not see any signs of a rash for a few days.
Be on the lookout for:
- An itchy rash (patchy or in streaks)
- Redness and swelling
- Blisters (sometimes emitting pus)
Do I Need to Visit Urgent Care?
Generally, poison ivy can be treated at home; although it may take a week or two to heal. But severe cases of poison ivy should be examined by an AFC provider.
Visit AFC Fountain City if:
- Your rash has not subsided after two weeks
- The rash is in your eyes, mouth, nose or genital area
- Increasing irritation, redness, swelling or itchiness
- Blistering and pus (this is a sign of infection)
- Fever or difficulty breathing
If I Need to Visit, How Can AFC Help?
Our experienced team of professionals can recommend treatment plans based on your specific needs.
Common AFC recommendations include:
- Prescribed topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itchiness
- Oral medications to treat itchiness (especially during the night)
- For infected rashes, antibiotics may be prescribed
For effective treatment, be sure to follow all instructions given to you by your AFC provider.
Can Poison Ivy Be Prevented?
Although poison ivy is common, there are a few things you can do to protect you and your loved ones from brushing up against this plant.
- Educate yourself by learning how to spot poison ivy, oak and sumac.
- Prepare for outdoor activities like gardening, hiking or farming by wearing proper clothing. This includes long pants, socks, long-sleeves and closed-toed shoes.
- Clean outside items that may have touched poison ivy (gardening tools, clothes, pets, golf clubs and shoes).
Remember when cleaning items or washing pets always wear protective gloves. Don’t risk getting urushiol sap on yourself!
Choose AFC Fountain City
Our team members at AFC love serving the Fountain City and surrounding Knoxville community. We’re here for you when your primary physician is booked and the ER is too crowded. We have extended, weekend and holiday hours. So, if you notice a rash post-hike or a few days later, our top-tier medical professionals can help you find relief anytime.
