Do not scratch the itchy skin or pick at the blisters. Take a short, cool shower or a short, lukewarm bath in a colloidal oatmeal preparation to ease the itch. It is a person’s allergic response as a result of coming into contact with the urushiol oil from the plant. Keep in mind that the rash is not contagious. Use warm, soapy water to wash everything else that may have the oil on it. Wash the clothes and shoes that you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. After touching poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. Most people can safely treat the rash at home or can seek treatment from a dermatologist. This helps prevent the skin from absorbing the urushiol. ![]() Apply an over-the-counter ivy block barrier before going outside on a hike. When you go hiking, wear long pants, long sleeves and boots to cover and protect your skin. ![]() Besides avoiding these plants, you should also avoid touching anything that has urushiol (the oil that causes the rash) on it such as gardening tools, sporting equipment and even a pet’s fur or leash. Before you go outside, look up photos of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac online so you can recognize and avoid them if you encounter them. If you like hiking or gardening, here are some tips to help you enjoy your time outdoors without bringing home a poison ivy rash.
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