Poison Ivy Prevention and Treatment: When to Use Immediate Care 

Revised June 2025

Poison ivy is a common plant that can cause a painful, itchy rash. This rash is triggered by urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol), an oily substance found in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. 

The severity of the reaction is typically relative to how bad the exposure was. 

What Does Poison Ivy Look Like? 

Poison ivy usually grows as a vine or shrub with three-pointed leaves. The leaves may have smooth or slightly notched edges and often appear shiny. The saying “Leaves of three, let it be” is the best way to spot and avoid it. 

How Long Does Poison Ivy Last? 

After contact with the plant, a rash can appear within 12 to 72 hours. It may look red, swollen, or blistered and usually shows up in a line or patch where the plant brushed against your skin. The rash can last up to three weeks and may feel extremely itchy. 

If you breathe in smoke from burning poison ivy, the reaction can be severe and cause breathing problems. Never burn poison ivy. 

Poison Ivy Prevention Tips 

To reduce your risk of exposure: 

• Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes when hiking or doing yardwork. Keep pets away from areas where poison ivy grows. Oils can stick to their fur and transfer to your skin. 
• Wash your skin with soap and water right away if you touch poison ivy. The sooner you wash, ideally within the first hour, the better your chance of avoiding a rash. 
• Clean clothing, shoes, and tools that may have come in contact with the plant. 
• There are some over-the-counter barrier creams (like Hydropel and Holilster than can be used to help prevent the rash when contact is unavoidable. 

Poison Ivy Treatment at Home 

If a rash starts, you can first try these at-home poison ivy treatments: 

• Rash the affected area immediately with soap and cool water. 
• Wash contaminated clothing, animals, and tools. 
• Apply calamine lotion or over-the-counter cortisone cream to relieve itching. 
• Take an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or Zyrtec (which causes less drowsiness) for itching 
• Soak in a cool oatmeal bath to soothe irritated skin. 
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection and scarring. 

When to Use Immediate Care for Poison Ivy 

Sometimes a rash needs more than home remedies. Visit Immediate Care or schedule a Virtual Immediate Care appointment if: 

• The rash is spreading rapidly and affecting multiple body surfaces/parts 
• The rash spreads to your face or genitals 
• You have swelling, pus, or a fever over 100 degrees 
• The rash is painful or not getting better after a few weeks 
• You’re not sure if it’s poison ivy and want a medical opinion 

Get Help Today 

Virtual Immediate Care is a fast, easy option when dealing with poison ivy and countless other ailments. A provider will look at your rash during a video call and recommend treatment. Be in a bright room for the best view and avoid makeup if the rash is on your face.  

Learn More

Immediate Care offers walk-in visits at five convenient locations in Nashua, Pelham and Hudson, NH and Pepperell, MA. We offer virtual visits, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 603-577-CARE to schedule or check walk-in wait times online. 

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Whether you're dealing with poison ivy or another rash, our team is here to help you heal quickly and close to home. 

Ernest Tabiri is a board-certified physician assistant practicing at Immediate Care in Nashua, Pelham, and Hudson, New Hampshire.