POISIN IVY DERMATITIS

                                                                

Poison ivy dermatitis is an acute contact dermatitis that is also known as Rhus Dermatitis. It frequently has a delayed onset of 48-72 hours after a person has been exposed to the noxious leaves or vines of the ivy, oak or sumac plants. Generally, they have been in the woods, fishing, cleaning out brush, or exposed through fire wood.

The clear sap which is generally invisible to the person is spread around on the body and then a delayed hypersensitivity reaction occurs. Often it will be in patients that swear they are not sensitive to it and have not broken out in the past. But this is the nature of the beast, to create sudden delayed hypersensitivity contact dermatitis and severe itching, blistering, and streak type lesions on the skin. It is very important to wash with soap and water after any exposure, as soon as possible. For those that break out it can often be quite miserable and require oral prescriptions or injections from their physician. Avoidance of the leaf and vine is the best method to prevent in the first place.

This site page is for informational use only.  Poison Ivy has to be treated medically. A laser cannot treat this condition.  See a medical doctor for treatment as soon as possible.