Warm weather and longer days means that families are spending more time outdoors.
And one of the rites of summer in addition to sunburn and mosquito bites is poison ivy.
Poison ivy is in nearly every state and while it is a threat during the entire year, it is most dangerous during the spring and summer months. Most poison ivy cases can be treated at home with over the counter medications but there are severe cases when you should see your medical provider.
Poison ivy affects each person differently but there are certain warning signs that should not be ignored. I would rather those affected by poison ivy be overly cautious than suffer in silence.
Poison ivy grows as a vine or bush depending on the climate and the plant always has three leaves per stalk. Poison ivy contains a chemical compound known as Urushiol, which causes a red, blistery rash.
Urushiol sticks to more than just skin. As part of the treatment for poison ivy, it’s important to wash anything that comes in contact with the plant. Urushiol sticks to clothing, towels, garden tools, shoes and even the fur of dogs and cats.
For the most part, poison ivy can be treated with calamine lotion or antihistamines. Rubbing alcohol will help break up the oil residue and cool the surface of the skin. Avoid scratching and breaking open the blisters which can become infected.
I have to stress the poison ivy plants are very dangerous if burned and inhaling the smoke can cause an allergic reaction to the lungs. It you think you have inhaled the smoke from burning poison ivy plants, seek medical attention immediately.
Those with poison ivy also should seek medical attention if they have experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash near the mouth or eyes
- Widespread rash over more than one part of the body
- Fever
- Excessive swelling
- A rash lasting longer than four weeks
- Itching that has become unbearable
Any of these symptoms can be treated at Med-Help Urgent Care, which is located at 539 Farmington Ave in Bristol, and is open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Robert Holzhauer, PA-C, is a physician assistant with Bristol Hospital’s Med-Help Urgent Care. For more information on Med-Help, please call 860-314-6046 or visit www.bristolhospital.org