Poison Ivy & Kids

What your parents may have told you is a myth: scratching does not spread poison ivy (unless you have urushiol from the original contact underneath your fingernails). However, scratching can deposit bacteria into open sores, thus producing a secondary infection.

So, should you or your child find yourselves exposed, don't scratch, and follow these steps:

Immediately wash any area that's come into contact with the poisonous plant with water and soap, if possible. If you can do this within five minutes of exposure, no rash should appear. Even if five minutes has already passed, washing can help stop the oil from spreading. Be sure to wash clothes or other items that have touched the plant or oil.

Get temporary relief from oral antihistamines (check the label for child-size dose, or ask your pediatrician) or hydrocortisone ointments such as Cortaid and Lanacort. You can also help dry up blisters with Burrow's solution, baking soda, Aveeno (oatmeal bath), and calamine lotion.

Consult a doctor for poison ivy that spreads to the face or genitals, or covers more than 20 percent of the body. Antihistamines or corticosteroid lotions or pills may be prescribed.

Protection Products

Once anyone has poison ivy, several products can provide relief, such as calamine lotion and antihistamines (oral or topical sprays). Better yet, two relatively new products actually help prevent poison ivy outbreaks.

Ivy Block is an over-the-counter lotion made by EnviroDerm that actually protects the skin from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes when applied before potential contact. Its active ingredient is bentoquatam, which has been FDA-approved. However, note that tests have not been conducted with children under six, so it is only recommended for children ages six and older.

Stash a bottle of Tecnu in your pack in case someone runs through a patch of poison oak, ivy, or sumac. This outdoor skin cleaner helps remove the problem oils that cause reactions. To be effective, it must be used within two to eight hours of exposure.