Preventing Infection After Contact With Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac

To prevent infection of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash:

• Try not to scratch the rash. Put mittens or cotton socks on infants' hands to help prevent them from scratching skin and opening blisters.
• Cut fingernails short to minimize the possibility of opening the skin and spreading bacteria.
• Use a mild soap to clean the skin.
• Cover large areas of open blisters with a bandage or other wound dressing.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	August 30, 2011