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Poison Ivy and Oak Exposure and Treatment

About 50% of children exposed to poison ivy or poison oak will develop an allergic reaction.
The best strategy is prevention by avoiding contact ("Leaves of three, let them be").
If exposed, wash the affected area promptly with soap and water to reduce rash severity.
Itching relief can be managed with ice cubes, hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines.
Severe reactions may require oral steroids prescribed by a healthcare provider.
The rash typically appears 1 to 4 days after exposure and is not contagious. Children can still attend childcare despite the rash.
The rash may appear to spread but this is due to different areas reacting at different times.

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