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

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.
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

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