Discuss them in advance of outdoor trips. Make sure toddlers understand not to eat any plants. Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning gardening equipment. Rinse equipment with water for five minutes if you suspect that it may have come into contact with any toxic plants. Relieve painful itching from poison ivy, oak or sumac with a topical anesthetic creme or spray.
Scratching can lead to secondary infections.
If poison ivy reaction occurs in a sensitive area, such as eyes, mouth or groin, if symptoms persist for more than 20 days or if reaction is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps, see a physician immediately. Dr. Pennisi available for interview. Inc. Other trademarks property of their respective holders.