Poison ivy is a rash that won’t quit. Can I spread it to others? AFC Indian Trail answers this question and others relating to this pesky plant.
In North Carolina, there’s a lot to do outside, especially in Indian Trail. Whether you’re playing in the backyard with your kids or hiking at nearby places like Evergreen Nature Preserve, nothing beats fresh air and sunshine.
Walking through that patch of leaves and shrubbery may have seemed harmless at the time, but now your kid’s legs have an itchy rash – and now you’ve touched it too. You suspect it’s poison ivy, does that mean your hands are going to break out into a rash soon?
Dealing with an irritating rash is frustrating. It’s easy to feel helpless and even more so if the rash is on a loved one. That’s why AFC has written this guide to poison ivy. We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about poison ivy, including how it spreads and the tell-tale signs that professional medical care is needed.
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is known for growing as a vine or shrub, especially here in North Carolina. This plant can mostly be found throughout the United States and is recognized by its “leaves of threes” that grow from individual vines.
Known for causing itchy rashes, poison ivy gets its fame from an oily sap called urushiol. This sap triggers irritating skin reactions and is produced by plants like poison ivy, oak and sumac.
Unlike normal skin irritations, urushiol causes allergic contact dermatitis. This is a specific type of skin rash that forms when a person is allergic to something. Unfortunately, 85-90% of people are allergic to urushiol, which is why poison ivy is so common.
Is Poison Ivy Contagious?
Even the smallest speck of urushiol can lead to rashes and red skin. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, urushiol the size of a grain of salt is strong enough to cause irritation. Items such as backpacks, gardening tools and golf clubs can transfer the sap onto human skin. Dogs are not affected by urushiol, but if they touch poison ivy their fur could also spread it to people.
You cannot get poison ivy by touching another person’s rash, the only way to get poison ivy is by touching the oil itself. Similarly, if your poison ivy becomes infected and the blisters start to emit pus, the pus does not contain the poisonous sap. So, accidentally touching any fluids from a poison ivy blister will not spread it.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy
Although most people are allergic to poison ivy, some may be more so than others. Poison ivy can take as little as a few hours or as long as five days to officially display signs after initial contact.
Typical signs include:
- An itchy skin rash that appears in patches or streaks
- Redness or swelling
- Blisters
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Poison ivy will often take around two weeks to fully heal, if your rash has still not subsided, we recommend stopping by our clinic.
If you display the following symptoms, stop by AFC sooner:
- Itching that has intensified
- A rash in your eyes, mouth, nose or genital area
- Blistering, swelling and pus
- Fever or difficulty breathing
Poison Ivy Treatment at AFC Indian Trail
Our expert medical team will help you find a suitable treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We can help reduce itching, swelling and treat infected rashes.
We usually recommend:
- Prescription-strength topical corticosteroids
- Oral medications
- Antibiotics
Can Poison Ivy Be Prevented?
Don’t let poison ivy stop you from enjoying outdoor activities. These safety tips will help you avoid that unwanted itchy rash.
- Teach yourself and your loved ones how to spot poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak and sumac
- When gardening, hiking or farming wear long sleeves, socks and pants
- Other protective items such as gloves and hats can also help protect your skin from directly contacting poison ivy
- If you suspect your things have come into contact with poison ivy, wash them as soon as possible. This could include clothing, camping gear, golf clubs and pets.
*AFC recommends using rubber gloves to wash items and tools to prevent further exposure.
Stop by AFC Urgent Care
Whether you or your loved one has a bad case of poison ivy, AFC Indian Trail is here when you need us. We’re conveniently located off of E. Independence Blvd. Our clinic is open daily and we gladly accept walk-ins. Take control of your health today!
