'Tis the season for poison ivy

Summer sends many people outdoors to the woods and fields, and doctors say this year, many of them are coming home with poison ivy.

Dr. Maribel Garcia of Beebe Physicians Network and director of Beebe Medical Center's walk-in clinic at Kmart said the numbers of people coming in with poison ivy is higher this year than last year, perhaps because families are enjoying outdoor activities more. Not only are families spending more time outside; many also  don't know what poison ivy plants look like, so they don't realize they came into contact with it until the rash breaks out across their skin.

Garcia said she recommends taking a shower and washing the skin carefully immediately after returning from the outdoors, especially after nature walks. Besides removing poison ivy oils from the skin, a shower will also remove nearly microscopic bugs called chiggers and help get rid of any ticks that may have climbed on during the walk.

Pets can also carry poison ivy oils into a house. The oils from the plant get on the fur and then when people touch the pet, poison ivy spreads onto their skin. Bathing pets that often go into the woods can help reduce the chance of contracting poison ivy.

Garcia said it is important to know what poison ivy looks like during each season of the year. In the spring, poison ivy's signature three-leaves can be reddish, then turning green in the summer and yellow shades in the fall. Wearing high socks and shoes can also reduce the chance of brushing against the plant.

"Poison ivy is pretty common, and we have people coming into the walk-in centers regularly," said Garcia. "This year we have seen more cases. After coming into contact with the plant it can take from eight hours to two days before the rash really starts."

For early rash symptoms, Garcia recommends calamine lotion, hydrocortisone creams or an anti-itch cream, all available at most drug stores. If the rash is more severe or these creams aren't working for a patient, Garcia will prescribe a steroid cream or pill to reduce the swelling and prevent it from spreading.

"People should try to avoid itching the rash because it could open the skin and cause an infection, which would require antibiotics," Garcia said. "If the rash is not better in two weeks or if you have a fever, seek medical attention."