Poison ivy vs. poison oak

Aurora BayCare Medical Center -  

Question: “What’s the difference between poison ivy and poison oak and it is something that requires doctor’s care?”

Answer: The Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care physicians at Aurora BayCare Medical Center offer this information:

From a patient's point of view, there is no real difference between poison oak and poison ivy. Both plants contain oil in its leaves that may cause an itchy red rash with small blisters. Following a first-time exposure, the onset time for the rash is one to two weeks. For recurrences, the onset is eight to 48 hours after initial contact with the plant.

The best defense to poison ivy or oak is to avoid exposure, especially if you have had a bad reaction in the past. If you are exposed, wash the exposed part of your body with soap and water within 30 minutes and wash your clothes in warm soapy water. Over-the-counter Benadryl or hydrocortisone cream are the recommended non-prescription treatments for mild cases.

You should seek immediate medical care:

• If you feel weak or very sick after contact with the poison ivy or oak,
• If you have difficulty breathing or severe coughing following exposure,
• Or if the rash looks infected.

You should call your doctor within 24 hours if:

• Swelling is severe
• You’ve had a severe poison ivy reaction in the past
• Severe itching interferes with or prevents normal sleep
• Rash involves more than one-fourth of the body
• You have big blisters or oozing sores

This health tip is from the emergency physicians at Aurora BayCare Medical Center – offering 24-hour emergency and trauma care as well as urgent care.

Urgent care is also available at Aurora BayCare Health Center on Green Bay’s west side.

Have a question? Send it to askadoc@aurorabaycare.com