WHAT: A contact dermatitis from the oil on the leaves of poison ivy and poison oak plants. Oil penetrates the skin and triggers a delayed immune reaction. Very common plant in Central Texas. Especially found in creek beds and wooded areas. Watch out along trails (including Lady Bird Lake). Spring and summer time are the worst.
WHAT RASH LOOKS LIKE: Itchy, red rash with small, raised, shiny bumps or small blisters in a patch on area of exposed skin. Often in a line pattern on extremities from brushing against plant. Usually appears 2-4 days after exposure but can even appear the same day in very sensitized people. Rash lasts about a week. In very sensitive people, the rash may continue to pop up all over body, even in areas not physically exposed from the plant. Occasionally, large, weepy blister lesions can form. People are generally only contagious on the first day while the leaf oil is on their skin and clothing.
TREATMENT:
Mild cases: Calamine or caladryl lotion, over the counter Hydrocortisone cream. Zanafel (Urushiol) cream (over the counter) reports to penetrate skin and bind to leaf oil and block bodies reaction. Oral Benadryl for itching.
Moderate/Severe cases: Prescription steroid creams or tablet and injection forms of steroids, often taken for a week or more. (If stopped too early rash often comes back)
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ROBERT SIMPKINS M.D.
St. David's Urgent Care - Pflugerville