Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol that causes contact dermatitis. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can be irritating and sometimes lead to serious infection. While relief can be found for minor cases by using over-the-counter preparations, cases that involve large areas of the body should be treated by a doctor.
Over-the-Counter Meds
Calamine lotion, cortisone cream and diphenhydramine cream all provide relief from the intense itching that accompanies poison ivy. These remedies are available at drug stores and most grocery stores. Some people report that the cool blast of spray-on calamine lotion has a numbing effect. Others find warmth to be soothing and suggest placing the affected area under a hot tap or shower head.
Oral Corticosteroids
Severe cases are treated by oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. Many patients report that the itching is completely gone within 24 hours of starting this drug. The rash tends to linger, but begins to clear within a day as well.
Since oral corticosteroids replace the natural ones made by the body, it is important to follow the doctor's dosing instructions exactly. Treatment may run from a few days to a few weeks and include instructions for tapering the dose down at the end of treatment.
Oral Antihistamines
Antihistamines also provide relief from the itching that makes so many sufferers miserable. It is important to distinguish between antihistamines that can induce drowsiness and those that do not. For example, sleepiness is a side effect of oral diphenhydramine but not loratadine and cetirizine. Sleep-inducing antihistamines should be avoided if the user expects to be driving or operating heavy machinery.
Prescription Cortisone Creams
If over-the-counter cortisone cream is not helpful, stronger strengths are available by prescription. These high dose creams are often very helpful because they relieve the itch and heal the rash. Such creams provide relief quickly, usually within minutes of application. They can also be used while waiting for an oral corticosteroid to begin working.
