HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Lesions On Skin Caused Due To Exposure To Poison Oak

Exposure to poison oak often causes lesions on the skin known as contact dermatitis. What is the mechanism of formation of these lesions? What are some of the more effective treatments for this type of skin lesion? Do you think that subsequent exposure to poison oak after successful treatment will increase or decrease the likelihood of symptoms? Why? (6 pts)
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for contacting HCM

1. Your first question is what is the mechanism of action that causes the blisters and dermatitis to the skin after exposure to Poison Ivy/oak. There is an oil that is on the leaves of Poison Ivy/oak and they cause the body to react with severe inflammatory response and hence the blisters.

2. The most effective treatment is to wash the skin immediately after exposure with a good strong soap to reduce the amount of oil on the skin. Afterwards applying a steroid cream like hydrocortisone my help reduce the reaction. In my practice I have found that taking a 10-14 days of oral steroids is the most effective treatment.

3. Subsequent exposure can cause a further reaction and depending on a persons allergic response may get better or worse. Some immunologist do give immunotherapy to reduce allergic reactions to exposure but this takes months to years to help

Hope this helps answer your query. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us again.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Dermatitis


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Lesions On Skin Caused Due To Exposure To Poison Oak

Thanks for contacting HCM 1. Your first question is what is the mechanism of action that causes the blisters and dermatitis to the skin after exposure to Poison Ivy/oak. There is an oil that is on the leaves of Poison Ivy/oak and they cause the body to react with severe inflammatory response and hence the blisters. 2. The most effective treatment is to wash the skin immediately after exposure with a good strong soap to reduce the amount of oil on the skin. Afterwards applying a steroid cream like hydrocortisone my help reduce the reaction. In my practice I have found that taking a 10-14 days of oral steroids is the most effective treatment. 3. Subsequent exposure can cause a further reaction and depending on a persons allergic response may get better or worse. Some immunologist do give immunotherapy to reduce allergic reactions to exposure but this takes months to years to help Hope this helps answer your query. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us again.