When a person comes in contact with poison ivy, an oily substance in the leaves remains on the skin causing an allergic reaction. The rash begins to break out on exposed body surfaces (usually the hands or arms) a few hours to several days after contact. The skin becomes red and swollen and covered with blisters that contain fluid. This reaction depends on an individual's sensitivity and may persist for weeks. Scratching the rash may spread it to other parts of the body if the irritating oil is still on your hands or under your fingernails. It is important to wash yourself and the clothes you were wearing when you were exposed. The blister fluid is not contagious and does not cause the rash to spread on you or to other people. Wash any tools, shoes or hunting and sporting equipment that you may have used. Many exposures come from petting the dog with poison ivy poison on the dog's fur. Wash the dog with soap and water wearing dish washing gloves.

First Aid: Remove and wash your clothes in the washer using laundry detergent twice before wearing again. Wash your entire body with soap and water. Be sure to clean carefully under your fingernails.

Treatment not needing a doctor's prescription
• Apply hydrocortisone cream to affected area.
• Take diphenhydramine according to the label directions.
• Applying cool compresses to the rash may be helpful. You may use plain water or a Burrow's solution (Domboro powder).  Resoak the compresses every few minutes. Do this about one hour several times a day.
• Take 3 or 4 cornstarch or oatmeal baths a day. Mix one pound of cornstarch with a little water to make a paste and add to a tub full of water.
• Taking soapless showers may also be helpful.

You should see a doctor or call the Poison Center if:
• You have a temp over 100 degrees F
• There is pus, soft yellow scabs, or tenderness on the rash.
• The itching gets worse or keeps you awake at night.
• The rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, genital area, or covers more than one fourth of your skin area.
• The rash is not improving within a few days.
• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.

Camping Tip: If you are going camping, bring a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a wash rag with you. If someone is exposed to poison ivy, soak the wash rag with alcohol and go over the exposed area as soon as possible. If this is done within 30 minutes (sooner the better) you can avoid or minimize the symptoms.