Poison Ivy

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Poison Ivy

• What to look for

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Jamie Stalker, MD

• Argonne Medical Department

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Plants

• Toxicodendrons
• Poison Oak
• Poison Sumac
• Poison Ivy

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Some Little Known Facts About Poison Ivy and Its
Cousins

• Everyone has the potential to react
• Urushiol is the chemical culprit
• Urushiol is within the plant, not on the surface
• Urushiol can remain active in dry conditions on
  surfaces for up to a decade
• Urushiol must penetrate the skin

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The Reaction

• Rash (Rhus dermatitis) only occurs where Urushiol
  contact and absorption has occurred
• Rash cannot spread!
• Rash occurs in 24 to 48 hours (first time
  reactors may take 7-10 days)
• Redness and swelling followed by blisters and
  itching
• Rash and blisters disappear in 14 to 20 days
  without treatment

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Can We Prevent Poison Ivy?

• Eradicate plants
• Avoid areas in which the plants grow
• Wear clothes that cover your skin
• Cleanse skin and clothes with alcohol and water
• Ivy Block

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Ivy Block

• Approved by FDA
• Apply 15 minutes before exposure
• Lasts 4 hours
• Active ingredient bentoquatam reacts with
  urushiol and blocks reaction
• Cannot be applied over rash

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How to Cleanse Properly

• If exposed, try to remove within 10 minutes
• Initially cleanse areas with rubbing alcohol
• Then rinse skin with water
• Then take a shower with soap and water
• Tecnu
• Remember to clean surface of clothes, shoes and
  other contaminated items with alcohol and water

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First Aid for Poison Ivy

• For mild cases, wet soaks and cool compresses
• Oral antihistamines for severe itching
• Topical corticosteroids for relief
• Oral steroids for severe reactions for at least 3
  weeks
• Drying agents for blisters (Calamine, etc.)
• New product Zanfel

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Poison Ivy?

• No - This is a Texas wild legume

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Poison Ivy?

• No This is Virginia Creeper

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Poison Ivy?

• No Look Alike Bramble

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Poison Ivy?

• No Box Elder

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Poison Ivy?

• YES!
• Leaves of three, leave them be.

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Be Safe and Have a Injury Free Summer!