Developing a sudden onset of rashes that are red, itchy and inflamed might sound worrisome. But, consider how you might have gotten it—were you by chance working in the garden, picking up branches and doing some yard work, or maybe taking a walk on a very scenic trail? Unbeknownst to you, you might’ve come in contact with poison ivy.

Poison ivy results from the skin encountering plant oil, a defense mechanism plants use to protect themselves. The oil irritates parts of the body it comes in contact with. The body’s natural reaction is to develop rashes and possibly blisters.

While the condition is uncomfortable and annoying, fortunately, it is not contagious and hardly life-threatening unless you are someone with severe allergies. Luckily, treatment options can reduce inflammation, pain, and itchiness resulting from poison ivy.

Poison Ivy

Types of Treatments for Poison Ivy Care

There are different ways poison ivy may present on the skin, but typically it shows up as linear blotch streaks with swelling and blistering. The plant oil, also known as urushiol, is an allergen that can remain active for a year or longer, resulting in its ability to spread if multiple objects are touched or transferred. It is not contagious like a viral or bacterial infection is contagious.

The length of time before a rash will appear varies from person to person. It can take a few hours and up to a few weeks before signs of poison ivy might appear. When symptoms start developing, there are a few home remedies that can reduce the discomfort of the condition, easing the itchiness and reducing inflammation.

Home remedies for poison ivy include:

  • Take a bath
  • Take an oral antihistamine
  • Use an anti-itch product (topical is okay here)
  • Avoid any other topical products
  • Don’t scratch
  • Keep the rash clean

Other types of treatment may include:

  • Medical Treatment – if it’s noticeable that at-home treatment isn’t working, is causing issues, or has increased pain, seeking medical attention can help treat the condition. Consulting a doctor is essential if the rash is widespread across the face, near the eyes or if the condition prompts fever and chills.
  • Prevention Methods – several preventative measures can help individuals exposed to greenery; this includes dressing appropriately by covering up the entire body to reduce plant oil contact and taking a bath or shower after working outside. Pollen, spores or other contaminants may have trailed inside the house by latching onto clothing.

Can Urgent Care Provide Poison Ivy Care?

Most of the time, poison ivy will go away on its own in a few weeks. However, if the rash is widespread and severe, an urgent care center can provide effective treatment options. Care might include a prescription to a steroid that can help reduce the inflammation and control its other symptoms.

Why Go to an ER for Poison Ivy Care?

While an urgent care can treat poison ivy, sometimes individuals might have a severe allergic reaction or develop into blisters. Therefore, heading to the ER might be the best option if any of the following are experienced:

  • A severe widespread rash
  • Inflammation on the face causing swelling in the eyes
  • Fever
  • Chills

Choosing Riverview Health ER & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: