Does poison ivy cause swelling?

Is It Shingles or Something Else?

Serious complications from a poison ivy reaction are rare.

Swelling is the most concerning issue to watch out for, especially if your face or eyes swell shut. This can result in lasting or serious damage.

A poison ivy rash may also become infected, particularly if you scratch the area and pop blisters. This infection is frequently caused by bacteria under your fingernails and may require antibiotic treatment.

The only long-lasting effects of a poison ivy reaction are typically cosmetic, and even these eventually go away.

“Extremely severe cases theoretically can lead to scarring,” says Zeichner. But more frequently, he claims, a rash will leave a red or brown stain in its wake.

There is no cause for concern because of this stain because it typically fades over several weeks.

Treatment and Medication Options for Poison Ivy

The majority of the time, self-care is used as poison ivy treatment to relieve pain.

The most crucial initial step in treating any reaction, in Dr. Zeichner should make sure that no plant oil is left on your skin.

He advises washing the area right away with a mild cleanser if you haven’t already, and washing any exposed clothing completely.

Once you’re certain that all plant oil has been eliminated, try the following methods to relieve your rash:

Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).

Take an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

Apply an over-the-counter steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone) for the first few days.

Apply calamine lotion, which can reduce itching.

Apply a heavy-duty moisturizer, such as one containing petrolatum.

Soak the affected area in a cool or lukewarm bath containing oatmeal or baking soda.

Place a cool, wet compress on the area for 15 to 30 minutes several times each day.

What To Do About Poison Ivy

By keeping an eye out for and avoiding the plant when you are outside, you can avoid suffering from poison ivy. In your own backyard, you can use herbicides to get rid of these weeds, but this is impractical in other places. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves if you intend to be in an area where poison ivy is likely to be present. Keep in mind that urushiol, the plant’s nearly invisible oil, adheres to almost all surfaces. Pets shouldn’t be allowed to run through wooded areas as they might have urushiol on their fur. Avoid burning plants that resemble poison ivy because urushiol can escape from a burning plant and spread through the air.

Before coming into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, barrier skin creams like a lotion containing bentoquatum provide some protection. This over-the-counter product prevents urushiol from penetrating the skin. Ask your dermatologist for details.

How Poison Ivy Works