Feeling Itchy?

Feeling Itchy?  It’s poison Ivy time!

Poison Ivy                                       Poison sumac                 Poison oak     

These plants contain an oily substance called URUSHIOL that causes a red, bumpy rash in many people.

If you think you have come into contact with one of these plants, wash with soap and water  as quickly as possible.  If you do this, you may stop a reaction.  If it is longer than that, the oil has already penetrated the skin and washing it will no longer prevent the rash, but it may help reduce the severity.

Treatment  Options:

1. OTC  cortisone cream 2-3 times a day
2. Anti-itch lotion such as calamine lotion
3. OTC antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec
4. Take an oatmeal bath

But see the doctor if the over the counter products don’t work, blisters are oozing, or if you develop a fever of over  100° F

IvyBlock (ivyblock.com) is the only FDA approved OTC barrier cream.  Use like a sunscreen.

The key to preventing that rash is knowing  what these plants look like and the avoid them!

Dianne Scalza

Netter Real Estate

404 Montauk Hwy.

West Islip, NY 11795

www.netterrealestate.com

www.blog.netterrealestate.com