my daughter has poison ivy on her chin... how do i keep it from spreading.......i am not allergic to it so i have never had it to know whats best
2007-03-24 04:45:47 · 6 answers · asked by ani 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
Dry it up ASAP! Use a drying lotion that has an antihistamine in it such as Caradryl. That should keep her from scratching. If she is very young, putting cotton mittens on her at night,so she doesn't scratch in her sleep. If it spreads, please call a doctor. I don't like to give kids liquid antihistimines, but sometimes it is neccessary. Your DR. can advise you.
If the plants are in your yard or where she plays, destroy them. Since you do not get it, you could dig them up and throw them away. BUT, please wear gloves, clothes to cover you up, and immediately shower and wash your hair, and wash your clothes.
Your daughter should take a bath after playing outside and change into all clean clothing.
2007-03-24 05:01:56 · answer #1 · answered by L S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't spread. You only develop a rash where you have come in contact with the oil from the plant.
If you are exposed, according to the FDA, you should quickly (within 10 minutes):
first, cleanse exposed areas with rubbing alcohol.
next, wash the exposed areas with water only (no soap yet, since soap can move the urushiol, which is the oil from the poison ivy that triggers the rash, around your body and actually make the reaction worse).
now, take a shower with soap and warm water.
lastly, put gloves on and wipe everything you had with you, including shoes, tools, and your clothes, with rubbing alcohol and water.
Unfortunately, if you wait more than 10 minutes, the urushiol will likely stay on your skin and trigger the poison ivy rash. You may not be able to stop it on your skin, but you might still scrub your nails and wipe off your shoes, etc., so that you don't spread the urushiol to new areas.
2007-03-24 04:56:07 · answer #2 · answered by c123 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Ani, the best thing to do is DON'T TOUCH IT! You can try various creams and gels like Rhuligel, but it needs to dry out. There is another product called @#$%^ Ok, so I can't remember what it is. Go to the pharmacist and they will help. If the outbreak gets bigger, you may need to see a Dr. for something stronger. Tell her to keep her hands clean & if she's aware she's touched it at all, wash them again. Absolutely no touching the eyes, use a Kleenex gently on eyes, but no skin contact just in case the poison is on them. Even with washing, sometimes that doesn't get it off completely. Good luck!
2007-03-27 17:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by dwilmoth822 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calamine lotion works best & maybe your daughter won't be so apt to scratch it, which can spread poison ivy. Don't cover the poison ivy once you apply the Calamine lotion, as the air will help dry it up also.
2007-03-24 04:55:38 · answer #4 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calamine lotion. And you might want to put a bandaid on it so your daughter won't scratch it. The itch can be perfectly maddening!
2007-03-24 04:51:15 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummm dont let her touch it get benidril dont let herscratch it im highly alergic to so
2007-03-24 04:50:12 · answer #6 · answered by southerndarlin010 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋