How to Diagnose a Poison Ivy Infection

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Poison ivy is found everywhere in the Unites States and southern Canada except on the west coast. It is easy to catch poison ivy by simply brushing against the plant. The easiest way to avoid poison ivy is to recognize what the plant looks like. However, if you do brush against it, you should immediately treat the infection

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Examine the area that you think is affected by poison ivy. Redness and swelling are the first signs of poison ivy infection. If small, itchy blisters appear over the red, swollen area, you probably have poison ivy. Don't itch your rash. It won't spread the rash, but it may infect the blisters.
Step 2

Treat your poison ivy with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Your pharmacist can tell you what works best. Do not take a hot shower because this opens up your pores and you will absorb more oil into your skin, which is what causes the rash.
Step 3

Contact your physician if you are still in doubt about whether you have poison ivy or the symptoms don't respond to your OTC medications.

Tips & Warnings

Breathing in smoke from a fire that contains poison ivy can lead to breathing problems, and you may end up in the hospital. If you think you have been exposed to a fire that contained poison ivy, contact your doctor. If you are building a fire, make sure it contains no poison ivy.

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