Poison Oak

Just over a week ago I came into contact with poision oak.  It started with a little rash on my leg and has now spread to my arm, my eyelid, and sporadic spots all over my body.  Worse of all, it is also on my penis.  The leg and arms are all blistery and red around the area, the eyelid is just swollen, my penis has itchy red blotches, and the spots around the rest of my body appear more like insect bites without the blistering.

I read somewhere it can take two weeks to heal.  This coming Sunday will mark two weeks.  Is there any home treatment I can apply?  Or do I need to get to the doctor?

Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The rash that results from the poison plants is a form of allergic contact dermatitis.
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. 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.