How to Treat Poison Sumac Rashes With Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Timetron, can be used to treat the itching and rashes caused by exposure to the poison sumac plant. While antihistamines cannot heal or lessen the effects of the rash, these products can be used in conjunction with oatmeal baths and calamine lotion to provide temporary relief from itching.
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Things You'll Need
- Oral antihistamines
- Calamine lotion
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Doctor or health care professional
Instructions
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Use an oral antihistamine that contains either chlorpheniramine maleate or diphenhydramine hydrochloride to treat a poison sumac rash. Many of these products, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Timetron, are commonly used to treat both hay fever and allergy symptoms, and are also known for their abilities to reduce itching and soothe rashes.
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Decide whether you want to choose an oral antihistamine product with a non-drowsy or drowsy formula to treat your poison sumac rash. A non-drowsy formula is ideal if you have a busy day at work in front of you, and you need a few hours of relief from your poison sumac rash. A drowsy formula, however, will help you to get a good night's rest.
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Take oral antihistamines in conjunction with home remedies, such as oatmeal baths and calamine lotion, to provide seamless relief throughout the day. Use colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal that has been ground into a fine powder, in a cool bath to relieve the itch once the effects of antihistamines have diminished. Calamine lotion is also useful in soothing and protecting the blistering of the rash.
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Visit your doctor or health care professional to obtain prescription-strength oral antihistamines if you are not experiencing relief from over-the-counter antihistamines. Your doctor may choose to administer antihistamines that are more powerful in a shot form for quicker and more comprehensive treatment of a poison sumac rash. Your doctor may also opt to treat your poison sumac rash with oral steroids or prescription-strength cortisone.
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Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor if you do not experience relief from a poison sumac rash within 2 to 3 weeks of the initial contact. Additional outbreaks of the rash may indicate infection or blood poisoning, which can lead to serious medical conditions. Remember to avoid breaking or popping blisters prematurely as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Topical antihistamines, such as creams and lotions, may actually aggravate poison sumac rashes, especially if you have an allergic reaction to the product. If you want to try a antihistamine cream to treat poison sumac, apply some to a small portion of the rash to determine whether the product will provide relief.
