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May 22, 2013
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Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac (cont.)

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Medications

  • Topical corticosteroid creams (prescription strength) - These reduce the immune response and relieve inflammatory symptoms.


  • Oral corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone) - These have effects similar to those of the creams but are needed for a more severe or widespread reaction. A course of steroids can run from three days to as long as four weeks.


  • Oral antihistamines - For itching. The main advantage of the prescription antihistamines is that they do not make you sleepy, allowing you to carry on your normal activities.


  • Antibiotics - These are needed only if the skin becomes infected after the initial rash.

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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment was effective for your poison ivy?

Poison Ivy Oak And Sumac - Symptoms

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What symptoms did you experience with your poison ivy or poison oak?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Plant Poisoning, Toxiccodendron »

Toxicodendron dermatitis is an allergic contact dermatitis (allergic phytodermatitis) that occurs from exposure to members of the plant genus Toxicodendron.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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