Poison Oak

I have had poison oak before that had spread all over my chest, arms, legs, and fingers. However, I got the rash again, but now it is on my upper thighs, buttocks, and very close to my vaginal area. I am extremely worried that it will spread and get worse like it did before. I am very close to the ocean and I was told that going into the salt water helps dry out the rash. I have only had it for one day, but it is very large and always itching. How should I take care of this horrible rash and itch? and When will it end?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The rash that results from the poison plants is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms include redness and itching of the skin, development of rash and sometimes development of blisters from rash.

Once it begins, the rash will usually clear on its own by 14-21 days. Treatment is directed at controlling the itching. You may take oral antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec. Also apply calamine lotion as it has a soothing effect on the skin. You can apply OTC steroid cream but it is only helpful if applied right away, before blisters appear, or much later, when the blisters have dried up. Compresses with cool water or Burrow’s solution (available without prescription) can help dry the ooze faster.

Severe cases like extensive blistering and when rashes are present on the face may need oral steroids. But they are available only on prescription. So if the symptoms become severe then please consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The rash that results from the poison plants is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms include redness and itching of the skin, development of rash and sometimes development of blisters from rash.

Once it begins, the rash will usually clear on its own by 14-21 days. Treatment is directed at controlling the itching. You may take oral antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec. Also apply calamine lotion as it has a soothing effect on the skin. You can apply OTC steroid cream but it is only helpful if applied right away, before blisters appear, or much later, when the blisters have dried up. Compresses with cool water or Burrow’s solution (available without prescription) can help dry the ooze faster.

Severe cases like extensive blistering and when rashes are present on the face may need oral steroids. But they are available only on prescription. So if the symptoms become severe then please consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mbhearst]

The rash has continued like you had said, however, i have yet to see any blistering, it just looks dry, but it hasn't spread. I've been using benadryl gel that has soothed it the most. i did try calamine lotion, but i didn't find that it had the same soothing effect like the benadryl gel.

I was told by multiple people that the first week is the most difficult and the second is not as bad of itching.