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Poison Oak and Poison Ivy Dermatitis - References
If you develop an itchy, red rash after spending time outdoors you may have brushed against a poison ivy or poison oak plant. What should you do? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Cleanse exposed skin
Wash the affected area with dish soap as soon as possible to limit the reaction; wash clothing, pets, and anything else that comes in contact to prevent re-exposure
- Apply plantain
Reduce skin inflammation by covering the affected area with fresh crushed plantain leaves or using a 10% ointment
- Steer clear next time
Learn what poison ivy and its relatives look like so you can avoid future contact
Also indexed as:
- poison ivy,
- poison oak
About this treatment
1. Moerman DE. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1998.
2. Kindscher K. Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical Guide. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 1992.
3. Sollmann TH. A Text-Book of Pharmacology and Some Allied Sciences. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders & Company, 1906.
4. American Pharmaceutical Association. The Pharmaceutical Recipe Book. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1936.
5. Caranvan D, Yarnell E. Successful treatment of poison oak dermatitis treated with Gindelia spp. (Gumweed). J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:709–10).
6. Moerman DE. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1998.
7. Kavasch EB, Baar K. American Indian Healing Arts: Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1999.
8. Gibson MR, Maher FT. Activity of jewelweed and its enzymes in the treatment of Rhus dermatitis. J Am Pharm Assoc 1950;39:294–6.
9. Guin JD, Reynolds R. Jewelweed treatment of poison ivy dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1980;6:287–8.
10. Long D, Ballentine NH, Marks JG Jr. Treatment of poison ivy/oak allergic contact dermatitis with an extract of jewelweed. Am J Contact Dermat 1997;8:150–3.
11. Zink BJ, Otten EJ, Rosenthal M, Singal B. The effect of jewel weed in preventing poison ivy dermatitis. J Wilderness Med 1991;2:178–82.
12. Sanders J. The Secrets of Wildflowers: A Delightful Feast of Little-Known Facts, Folklore, and History. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2003.
13. Gibbons E. Stalking the Healthful Herbs. Putney, VT: Alan C. Hood & Company, Inc., 1989.
14. Duke JA. The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1997.
15. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, Inc., 1999.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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