When a Poison Ivy Rash Warrants Medical Attention

Diana Hutchinson — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:18:08 +0000

Poison Ivy is a notorious plant responsible for causing a host of symptoms in those who are unfortunate to come into contact with not only it, but the oil it produces. Oil left on surfaces can remain active for up to a year. Majority of people, 85% of Americans, are allergic to the oil that this plant produces and it is found in every state in the U.S. besides Alaska or Hawaii. If you are one of those 85%, instead of contemplating a move to Alaska or Hawaii consider these tips to know when your poison ivy rash warrants a trip to an urgent care clinic because home remedies just aren’t doing the trick.

Rash

Poison ivy is known for it’s hallmark rash that it causes. Oils bind to the skin causing the body’s immune system to go into overdrive. The result is a red rash that itches and is unpleasant. It can take up to two weeks for the rash to completely heal itself, and during this time itching, oozing and swelling can be present. Over the counter lotions and antihistamines can be used to treat the rash and itching, but it’s important to know when the rash is not getting better and when an visit to your nearest urgent care center is warranted.

Children

Adults can typically refrain from scratching by using other methods such as lotions and cold compresses to relieve the itch. Children on the other hand may not be able to. If it itches on them, chances are they are going to scratch it. Adults are aware of the infections that can come from scratching, but children are not. Adults are typically more careful to keep the area clean and dry but children are not. For this reason it is probably best to take any child, especially smaller ones to an urgent care facility to have their symptoms diagnosed. Depending on the severity of the rash and how large it is and how much of the child’d body it covers medicine may be prescribed. Medicines include steroid lotions to apply to the affected area and oral steroids to help reduce the allergic reaction.

Infection

As with any broken skin, the risk of infection grows significantly, especially when it itches like the rash associated with poison ivy. It can be hard to keep it covered, meaning the open wound can attract bacteria. Since redness and swelling is already associated with the rash from poison ivy it can be hard to determine when an open wound is becoming infected. If large parts of the rash are not showing signs of improvement and a large part of your body has open sores from the rash, it is probably best to be seen by your nearest urgent care center. Large areas of open sores are harder to keep clean and cover. Since much of the skin is already broken any infection could spread rather quickly. If you suspect infection or cannot resist the urge to scratch and open blisters, then medical attention should be sought.

Swelling

Swelling is common with any poison ivy rash but there are signs that it should be addressed immediately. Any swelling that occurs around the neck area or makes it hard to breath needs immediate medical attention. Any swelling that occurs around the face, especially the eyes, should get treated immediately. Any swelling that occurs around the groin area after contact should be treated as well.

Inhalation

Poison ivy plants are dangerous to touch, but they are more dangerous to burn. The smoke contains the oil which in turn causes an allergic reaction inside the lungs. If you inhale smoke from burning poison ivy you should seek medical attention. Even if you think you inhaled some it is better to be checked assessed as soon as possible.

Poison ivy rashes don’t wait for a convenient time to pop up meaning sometimes getting the rash treated isn’t so easy. Doctors offices have certain hours of operation and are closed on weekends, but 85% of urgent care centers are open sever days a week. If you or a loved one encounters the itchy rash and needs to have it addressed urgent care is the best choice.

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Being Sick at Christmas Is No Fun!

Diana Hutchinson — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 19:52:08 +0000

On Christmas and New Year’s Day when the grocery stores, shopping malls, and other modern conveniences are closed, some walk in urgent care centers are still open. On the holidays when most of us are home enjoying time with our families, some pharmacies are still open.
Thank.
Goodness.
When your oldest daughter said that she was itchy following her recent shoulder surgery you were certain that it was little more than a reaction to the dressing that was placed on her at the hospital. In fact, when you texted pictures of the rash to two of your friends who are doctors, they thought the same. When you woke up Christmas morning to your daughter in tears from the heat and the pain of the blisters on her arm, however, you feared that you were dealing with more than a topical reaction. Fortunately, the on call doctor was able to visit with you on the phone. And while you could not return to the office for a follow up visit on Christmas Day, there were three different walk in urgent care centers that were open. With notes from the on call doctor recorded online, the walk in care center was quick to make a diagnosis, prescribe something that would calm down the inflammation and itching, and remind you that their offices would be open for the rest of the day and night should you have any more concerns.
Not All Medical Emergencies Take a Break for the Holidays
No one plans to be sick at Christmas, but if you find yourself, or someone in your family, under the weather on one of the biggest holidays of the year it is good to know that some walk in urgent care centers are open and available. With hours that extend through the night and on weekends, these quick care health centers provide a way to get the care that you need without having to pay the expensive price of going to a hospital emergency room.
Currently, There are 20,000 physicians who practice Urgent Care Medicine today, and of these facilities, as many as 85% are open seven days a week. Finding a way to make sure that you are getting the affordable care that you need is always important, even if you are in need of this care on a major holiday.

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When a Poison Ivy Rash Warrants Medical Attention

Being Sick at Christmas Is No Fun!