Is exposure to poison ivy serious?
Exposure to poison ivy is not usually very serious, but it is certainly extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant, as anyone who has ever suffered from it will testify to. You won't normally need to go to a doctor because of poison ivy exposure, but most people do find that they need to purchase some variety of treatment or remedy to help manage the symptoms.
About 85% of people will be sensitive to poison ivy – or rather to the oil known as urushiol which is found in and on poison ivy plants. This oil is transferred to the skin on contact with the plant, and if it is allowed to soak in, it will cause an allergic reaction called urushiol-induced dermatitis in the majority of people. This can often be avoided if swift action is taken to remove the oil from the skin before it is absorbed – there are a number of products available that are specifically designed to do this, from solutions that can be used to rinse with, to wipes that can be conveniently carried in glove compartments or purses in case of accidental exposure to poison ivy. They're worth investing in – prevention is always better than cure as far as poison ivy is concerned, mainly because there isn't really any outright cure!
If you do end up with a poison ivy rash, your individual reaction to it will determine what you need to do. Most people are able to deal with it by themselves, by applying over-the-counter topical lotions and medicines to soothe the irritated skin and reduce the itching. Itching is generally the worst part of poison ivy rash, but it can usually be managed. You are advised not to scratch, as this could actually make things much more serious – deep and repeated scratching is likely to break the skin and cause infections. Instead, try a few different remedies such as Calamine lotion, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and numerous different poison ivy relief products, until you find one that brings you sufficient relief from your discomfort.
Although no doctor's visit is normally required, you should call your doctor for advice if the rash doesn't disappear after several weeks. Make sure that you're not being continually re-exposed to urushiol, which can be carried on clothing and pet fur, amongst other things! If you get poison ivy in your eyes or mouth, this is when you should immediately see a doctor, as these cases can be more serious. And if you have inhaled fumes/smoke from burning poison ivy, seek medical attention at once – never, ever burn poison ivy plants. The fumes that they release are much more dangerous than the effects of the oil on your skin, and if breathed in, they can cause serious internal damage. See a doctor as a matter of urgency if you have been around burning poison ivy, even if you have no symptoms.
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