What is Poison Ivy?

A poison ivy rash is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs after contact with the poison ivy plant. The rash will usually appear within one to three days after exposure to the plant and can last for several weeks. The rash will often appear as streaks of blistering bumps. The skin will likely be very itchy, red and possibly swollen.

What Causes Poison Ivy?

An oily substance called urushiol is found on poison ivy plants and is responsible for the rash. Even very small amounts of the oil can cause the rash and the oil can still be present even after the plant has died. You can also come in indirect contact with the oil from clothing, pets, or anything else with the oil on it. Airborne contact is possible if the plant is burned and the particles land on the skin or become inhaled. The rash is not contagious, however, some blisters from the rash can still contain urushiol and can cause spreading or further contamination.

Treatment for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy will often improve with the help of some home remedies including:

  • Applying a cold compress
  • Topical solutions to relieve itching
  • Oral antihistamines

If poison ivy is more severe, a steroid cream or oral corticosteroid might be prescribed. Scratching the rash can sometimes lead to a bacterial infection. If this occurs, an antibiotic might also be needed.

Identifying and Preventing Poison Ivy

Learning how to recognize the poison ivy plant can help you avoid contact. “Leaves of three, let it be,” is a popular saying to help remember what to watch out for. The three leaves will be pointed and can have notched or smooth edges. The plant grows as a vine or shrub and is often found in wooded areas and along riverbanks. They can also be present along roads or in backyards. The leaves of the plant change colors with the season and will appear reddish in the spring, green in the summer, and yellow or orange in the fall.

To prevent contact with poison ivy, wear closed shoes, long pants and sleeves, and gloves if you have to handle the plant. Any clothes that come in contact with the plant should be washed right away. You should also wash any equipment or objects that come in contact with the plant or pets that may have rolled in it.

If you have been exposed to poison ivy, contact Springfield Urgent Care today to receive quick and quality treatment for relief of your symptoms.

What Patients Are Saying About Us

Springfield Urgent Care’s convenient and patient-focused approach to urgent care has earned us thousands of glowing reviews from patients throughout the communities we serve.

Rating
4.9
Rating
4.7
Rating
4.9

“I rarely ever leave ratings of places, and don't think I've ever commented on one, if I have I don't remember doing so but this place is AMAZING!! I was in and out so fast. ALL of the staff was so nice and so efficient. The rooms are clean and the waiting room is so nice and clean and cute. They even have a coffee machine with options if hot chocolate, hot tea, coffee and even chicken broth which I thought was just so thoughtful!! I won't go anywhere else if I need an urgent care center!!”

Samantha K.

“By far the best Urgent Care I’ve ever been too. First, the employees are amazing and full of positivity. They know what they are doing and get stuff done. You actually feel safe there. I’ve never felt safe in an urgent care before from bad experiences until I walked into this one. I’m beyond grateful. I have to mention how beautiful and CLEAN the building is. If you need an urgent care go to this one you will not be disappointed.”

Ashley S.

“I don’t usually like going to any urgent care because of my bad experience BUT I love this Location. The staffs and the doctor are very nice and very friendly. One of the female nurses name Carrie. She is my favorite because she was nice and gentle when she was care for me. She also did my first Covid on my first visit there months ago. Thank You!!”

N.H.
Clarkston

Clarkston

9749 Dixie Hwy Suite B
Clarkston, MI 48348

248.942.5888

Hours
Monday - Friday: 6am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7am - 9pm
Currently Waiting:
0

Highland

2116 S Milford Rd
Highland Charter Township, MI 48357

248.516.2300

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
Currently Waiting:
0

Hamburg

9547 Chilson Commons Circle
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

810.256.6678

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
Currently Waiting:
0

White Lake

320 Town Center Blvd Suite C-101
White Lake, MI 48386

248.849.0365

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
Currently Waiting:
0

Saline

7025 E Michigan Ave
Saline, MI 48176

734.463.3616

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
Currently Waiting:
0

St. Clair Shores

21929 E. Nine Mile Rd
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

586.207.0956

Hours
Currently Waiting:
0

Clinton Township

43900 Garfield Rd. Ste 121
Clinton Township, MI 48038

586.868.2600

Hours
8am - 8pm / Seven Days a Week

Saginaw - Coming Soon!

5889 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48604

Hours
8am - 8pm / Seven Days a Week

Clarkston

9749 Dixie Hwy Suite B
Clarkston, MI 48348

Directions

Highland

2116 S Milford Rd
Highland Charter Township, MI 48357

Directions

Hamburg

9547 Chilson Commons Circle
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Directions

White Lake

320 Town Center Blvd Suite C-101
White Lake, MI 48386

Directions

Saline

7025 E Michigan Ave
Saline, MI 48176

Directions

St. Clair Shores

21929 E. Nine Mile Rd
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Directions

Clinton Township

43900 Garfield Rd. Ste 121
Clinton Township, MI 48038

Directions

Saginaw - Coming Soon!

5889 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48604

Directions