Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac and Ticks

Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Rashes

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are three common plants that can cause rash. These plants produce an oily sap called urushiol. Contact with the sap of these plants can result in an itchy, blistering red rash that can hurt, burn and swell.

The allergic reaction to these plants can vary from mild to severe. A mild rash can clear without treatment or with first aid. The most severe reaction can develop as long as 7 days after exposure and can last up to three weeks.

How does the rash spread?

The rash is not contagious and the fluid in the blisters does not spread the rash. Once the sap is washed off the skin the rash will not spread. However, the sap can remain on clothing, tools, shoes and other surfaces that if not cleaned can transmit a rash in the future. Burning these plants spreads the oils in the air and can cause severe lung irritation. When pets spend time outdoors and the sap gets on their fur they can spread it to their owners.

First aid:

• Clean the skin with soap and water within 30 minutes of contact to prevent a reaction.
• Flush out the eyes and clean under the fingernails.
• Wash any contaminated clothing and shoes in hot water and soap.
• Over the counter medicines like hydrocortisone cream can be used to help relieve the itch.
• Use cool compresses to relieve itching.
• Wash tools in bleach or rubbing alcohol.

When to seek medical attention:

• The rash is blistering, widespread or severe
• The rash is around your eyes, mouth or genitals
• Your face swells or eyes swell shut
• Itching is severe
• The rash shows signs of infection

Call 911 if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing (severe allergic reaction)

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Ticks

Ticks are small parasites that live mostly in wooded areas. They live by biting and feeding off the blood of humans and animals. Most tick bites are painless and may initially go unnoticed.Symptoms are often a small red bump and swelling at the bite site.

Although most tick bites do not cause harm, at times they can infect humans and animals with bacteria, viruses and other organisms. Examples of serious conditions caused by tick bites are Lyme DIsease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A bulls eye rash is characteristic of Lyme Disease. The rash usually appears a week after the bite but can take up to a month to develop.

In North Carolina tick season is year-round, but bites are most common in spring to early fall. Ticks like warm, moist and hairy places so be sure to check yourself, your family and the family pets. A tick may feed for a few days to two weeks before it becomes noticeable.

What should you do if you’ve been bitten by a tick?

• Remove the tick with tweezers. It is important to remove the head as well as the body of the tick.
• Save the tick in a container if possible.
• Wash the area thoroughly.
• Do not apply ointments or vaseline to the bite

When to call the office:

• If you are unable to remove all of the tick from your skin.
• If a rash develops near the tick bite or on other areas of the body.
• If you develop a fever or flu like symptoms
• If the tick bite appears infected
• If you believe you have been bitten by a deer tick.

Call our office to schedule a consultation with dermatologist Dr. Heather Higgins.