Poison Ivy Treatment Advice for Residents and Visitors in Cape May Court House, NJ
The level of poison ivy treatment warranted depends on the degree of irritation caused by contact with the plant. Most cases can be successfully treated at home, but others may require medical attention from experts like the physicians at Cape Regional Urgent Care, who serve Cape May Court House, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.
Contact with a poison ivy plant often causes an itchy rash within 48 hours, and the symptoms generally last for a week or two. The cause of the rash lies in the oil secreted on the leaves of the plant, so anything that the plant touches – be it clothing, gardening tools, or other objects – can spread the oil and cause a rash. That’s why it’s essential to use soapy water to wash the skin and any other items that could have come into contact with the poison ivy right away.
Once the rash has developed, it’s important to avoid scratching and opening blisters as these actions can cause infection. To help quell the itching, hydrocortisone lotion or calamine lotion can be applied to the affected area. Bathing in a colloidal oatmeal preparation is also a commonly recommended treatment method for soothing skin affected by poison ivy.
Sometimes, a poison ivy rash necessitates medical treatment from professionals. Medical attention should be sought if the affected person is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- A widespread reaction covering most of the body
- A reaction that affects sensitive areas, particularly the face or genitals
- Fever as result of exposure
- A rash lasting longer than two weeks
Visitors or residents in Cape May Court House, NJ, and neighboring areas can turn to Cape Regional Urgent Care for prompt medical treatment for poison ivy rashes. Unlike most primary care physicians, we are open every day of the week, and we never require appointments. That means no calling to make an appointment or waiting days to be seen by a physician.
