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Quick Facts:
Fort Smith
by Mercy's Mardi Taylor
Key points:
Poisonous plants can cause painful reactions year-round, including itching, rashes, blisters and swelling, and symptoms may appear 12 hours to three days after exposure.
Quick action can reduce severity — washing skin, clothing and gear immediately after contact can help prevent or limit a reaction since the plant oils can spread.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and avoiding complications, with options like cool compresses, antihistamines, calamine lotion and avoiding scratching to prevent infection.
Prevention is critical, including wearing protective clothing outdoors, avoiding burning poisonous plants and recognizing when to seek urgent care for severe reactions like swelling or trouble breathing.
As warmer weather draws people outdoors to garden, landscape and enjoy nature, Mercy providers are reminding the public to watch for poison ivy, poison oak and other plants that can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes serious reactions.
Contact with poisonous plants can cause symptoms such as itchy, painful rashes, redness, blisters and swelling. While many people associate these reactions with summer, exposure can happen at any time of year.
If you believe you’ve come into contact with a poisonous plant, washing exposed skin as soon as possible can help prevent or reduce a reaction. Clothing, shoes and gear that may have touched the plant should also be washed promptly.
While the rash itself is not contagious, the plant oils that cause it can spread from skin, clothing or surfaces to other people.
“Symptoms can appear anywhere from 12 hours to three days after exposure,” said Dr. Diem Nguyen with Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Towson in Fort Smith. “A rash can cause significant discomfort and can be very painful. Poisonous plants are present year‑round, and many people don’t realize they’re sensitive until symptoms begin.”
Dr. Nguyen recommends the following tips for managing a rash:
- Apply a cool compress to affected areas.
- Use a topical corticosteroid or calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
- Take an antihistamine such as Benadryl.
- Soak in a cool bath with one‑quarter cup baking soda or oatmeal, including over‑the‑counter oatmeal bath products.
- Avoid outdoor heat, which can worsen itching.
Symptoms may last one to three weeks. If they persist, a doctor may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone. Antibiotics may also be needed if an infection develops.
Extra care should be taken if a child or pet may have been exposed, as they can unknowingly transfer the oils. Even dead plants can still contain the irritating oils, so caution is important any time plants are handled.
Severe reactions may include swelling, especially around the eyes, rash on the face or genitals or trouble breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit the emergency room or their nearest Mercy Convenient Care location.
What not to do
Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or bleach on the rash, as these can worsen irritation. Scratching should be avoided, as it can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
“We’ve seen poison ivy reactions linger longer than necessary because scratching led to infection,” Dr. Nguyen said. “Controlling the itch is one of the most important steps in healing and preventing complications.”
Prevention remains the best treatment. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves while working outdoors can help reduce exposure for adults and children alike. Barrier creams containing bentoquatam, such as IvyBlock, may also offer protection. Poisonous plants should never be burned, as inhaling the smoke can cause severe respiratory reactions.
To schedule a video or office visit, go to mercy.net/fsmappointments. Current Mercy patients can also use their MyMercy account to find the care they need.
