skin rash and itch

How long does it take for the poison ivy rash to develop?

The amount of time for a rash to appear after the initial point of contact with the poison ivy chemical varies from person to person. The first thing to consider is whether or not you have had poison ivy before and how allergic you may be to it. Someone who has had poison ivy before and is relatively allergic may start to itch and develop a rash within hours. Someone who is exposed to it for the first time may not develop a rash until 2 to 3 weeks after the initial exposure.

What causes poison ivy rash?

What does poison ivy look like?

Poison ivy usually has to run its course. In the meantime, symptomatic treatments such as calamine lotion, Aveeno® oatmeal baths, Domeboro® compresses, or topical corticosteroids may help relieve itching.

How do I get rid of heat rash?

How can I prevent heat rash?

What is heat rash?

Q: I’m outdoors a lot. What can I do to prevent a rash?

Sunlight can cause a lot of different skin reactions. The best way to prevent this is by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. Plants that cause allergies, such as poison ivy, are commonly encountered by people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Stay away from plants you suspect could be poisonous, and wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening.

Dr. Lowell Goldsmith and Dr. Jeff Bernhard contributed their expertise on behalf of Logical Images for the above information.

Q: How can I get rid of the skin rash and itch of hives?

Hives is a prime example of a skin condition that responds extremely well to oral antihistamine treatment. A drug such as Benadryl®, Claritin®, or Zyrtec® can be very effective in relieving the rash and itch from hives. These drugs can also be obtained without a prescription.

Hives can sometimes form around the mouth and can be associated with breathing problems. In more serious cases, a visit to the emergency room and sometimes adrenalin shots are necessary.