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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac cause the same type of red, raised, itchy rash. The plants are found throughout the United States. More than 50% of people are sensitive to the oil of these plants and will develop a contact dermatitis on exposure.
The rash may appear 8 to 72 hours after contact with the oils of the plant. The oil may be spread from one part of the body to another by scratching. Pets may also contact the plant and transmit the resin from their fur to your child. A red, raised and extremely itchy rash develops, with occasional blistering. It usually occurs on exposed body surfaces, and often occurs in streaks or patches. The rash usually lasts from one to three weeks.
Treatment of the rash:
- Wash the plant oil resin from skin and clothing (preferably within 5 to 10 minutes of exposure). This will reduce the reaction and prevent the resin from spreading. Cool soaks will help with itching.
- The rash itself is not contagious and children may attend school or daycare.
- Calamine lotion will help with itching and drying of the lesions. Hydrocortisone cream 1/2% can be used once or twice a day until the rash is clear. Do not use on the face without consulting a physician.
- For weeping lesions, Burrow's solution (ask your pharmacists for directions) can be applied with a soft cloth for 10 minutes three to four times a day. These soaks are soothing and help to remove drainage and crusting and promote healing.
- Keep fingernails short and clean and discourage scratching.
- Contact the office if the rash looks infected (spreading redness, increasing pain, drainage of pus, fever).
- Contact the office if the rash covers the face, groin, or more than one-fourth of the body.
