Steroid Treatment of Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a plant that grows naturally in the United States and causes allergic reactions in most people who come in contact with the plant’s oily substances. Doctors may prescribe steroids for individuals with allergic reactions to poison ivy.

Allergy Symptoms

According to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, people who suffer an allergic reaction to poison ivy usually develop contact dermatitis with symptoms such as a rash, skin bumps and itchy blisters. The blisters may break open, ooze and develop a crusted surface.

Steroid Treatment

Doctors may prescribe oral steroids, topical steroid cream or steroid injections to treat itching and swelling from poison ivy.

Topical Steroid Side-Effects

Patients who use topical steroid drugs may develop acne, red skin lesions and a thinning of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other Steroid Side-Effects

Users of oral steroids may develop hypertension, glaucoma or fluid retention that results in leg swelling. Steroid injections may cause infection, pain or tissue shrinkage at the site of the injection.

Allergy Cause

People have allergic reactions to poison ivy because of a common sensitivity to urushiol, an oily substance in the plant resin of poison ivy. This substance causes allergic reactions when it comes in contact with a person’s skin and it can be spread when people touch clothing, pets and objects that brushed against a poison ivy plant.

References

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center: Poison Ivy
• Mayo Clinic: Steroids