First Aid For
Poison Oak/Poison Ivy

Who hasn't had a bout of poison oak or poison ivy? It's almost a camping rite of passage. Did you know that 1/4 ounce of urushiol is all that is needed to cause a rash in every person on earth?

First aid for poison ivy or poison oak is much like you remember as a child.

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Symptoms:

• Itchy, rash and red skin. A rash can take up to 2 days to develop after exposure
• Oozing blisters
• Rash can appear as red lines or streaks
• Crusty rash

First Aid Treatment:

• Wash infected area with soap and water. Be sure to scrub under the fingernails. Poison oak and poison ivy transfers very easily to other people and surfaces.
• Remove and wash any clothing and bedding that may have come in contact with the person within the last 24 to 36 hours. Don't forget to wash any pet that may have come in contact with the plant.
• Use calamine lotion, Epsom Salts and bicarbonate of soda to help with the rash. Put Epsom Salts and bicarbonate of soda in bathwater. They can also form a paste to apply to the skin
• Reduce itching and swelling with a cold compress

Seek medical help…

• If a rash develops immediately on contact or within the first 4 to 12 hours
• If the eyes swell shut
• If difficulty breathing, swallowing or a hoarseness in the throat develops
• If the rash is on the face or genitals
• If the rash covers large areas of the body
• If the skin looks infected (increased swelling, pain, redness or pus)
• If the child shows any signs of an allergic reaction