Poison Ivy Rash

A Convenient Source of Poison Ivy Rash Treatment in the St. Johns, Howell and Carson City, MI, Areas

After being cooped up inside during freezing weather, many people are just itching to spend time in the great outdoors. But your adventure might have you itching in a more literal sense if you encounter poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Touching these plants can cause a skin rash that’s actually an allergic reaction to an oily substance called urushiol. Not everyone is susceptible, but poison ivy rash is quite common—in fact, experts say urushiol will provoke an allergic reaction in nearly 85% of the population.

If you’re in the St. Johns, Howell or Carson City, Michigan, areas, you can turn to Ouch Urgent Care for speedy medical treatment for a poison ivy rash without waiting for an appointment with your primary care doctor. Our walk-in clinic is open daily, and we treat patients of all ages, including infants.

When to Seek Urgent Care Treatment for a Poison Ivy Rash

If you suspect that you or your child is experiencing a poison ivy rash, it’s important to thoroughly wash the affected area to prevent the irritation from spreading, and you’ll want to wash any clothes or toys that came in contact with the poison ivy. The itchy, blistery rash is usually not life-threatening, but it typically causes misery that can last for days or even weeks. Moreover, scratching the itchy skin can lead to infection and more serious complications.

The highly qualified and compassionate medical practitioners at Ouch Urgent Care can provide you with a treatment plan that may include antihistamines, topical creams, or other medications. You should seek nonemergency treatment for your poison ivy reaction if:

• You breathed in smoke from burning poison ivy, which can cause inflamed airways
• Your rash does not improve after a week
• There is pus coming from your blisters

You should head to the emergency room if you have a widespread rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a fever of over 100 degrees.

If you’d like more information about our poison ivy rash treatment or the many other nonemergency health care services we provide to those in the St. Johns, Howell and Carson City areas, contact Ouch Urgent Care today.