Poison ivy is a commonly found plant, so it is a possibility your infant will be exposed to it at some point. It is estimated that roughly 85 percent of the population is allergic to the oil found in poison ivy, according to the BabyCenter website, and it is considered to be the most common allergen in the United States. Although your infant may not have been in contact with the plant directly, she can be exposed by touching you, a pet or an older sibling who was exposed to the oil.
Causes
Your infant will show allergic symptoms only after direct contact with the oil secreted by the poison ivy plant. The oil, also known as urushiol, is easily transferred from the plant to your infant either by skin contact or through objects such as clothing, toys and outdoor equipment. The oils are contained in the leaves, stems and roots, and it takes only one-billionth of a gram to cause a reaction, according to the BabyCenter website. The same oil is also found in poison oak and poison sumac.
Symptoms
Contact with urushiol leads to a contact dermatitis characterized by an itchy, red rash and/or blisters on the skin area exposed to the oil. It is followed by swelling and oozing of the blisters. Do not let your infant scratch the blisters because this can lead to a serious infection, according to the Children's Hospital Boston. Poison ivy rash typically occurs within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, but it may take up to a week to develop and can persist for up to one month.
First Aid
If your infant gets in contact with poison ivy, immediately remove all clothes and shower your baby with cold water and soap three times. Use cool or lukewarm water because hot water opens your infant's pores, giving the oil better access to the deeper layers of the skin. Do not give your infant a bath because this can spread the oil to other parts of the body. Alcohol-based wipes may be used if you cannot access a shower immediately. Wash all clothing, toys and other objects that were in contact with the oils.
Treatment
While there is no known cure for poison ivy, there are several treatment options to help relieve the symptoms associated with the rash. Your pediatrician may prescribe steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to help relieve the itching and swelling. Oral, over-the-counter antihistamines can also help reduce the symptoms, but ask your pediatrician before giving your infant any medications. Cold compresses or ice packs can help reduce swelling and redness. Giving your infant an oatmeal bath in lukewarm or cool water or dabbing the rash with calamine lotion may also help relieve itching. If the rash persists for more than two weeks, becomes severe or your infant develops a fever, seek medical attention.
