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Medicine for Poison Oak

Poison oak is usually identifiable by its red/green leaves. It secretes oil that causes skin irritation and adverse reactions to the skin, eyes, mouth, nose and lungs. The oil can easily affect skin through direct or indirect contact (such as through clothing exposed to poison oak). A few mainstream forms of medication areused to treat the symptoms of poison oak. Most come in the form of topical ointments or oral pills.

  1. Topical Corticosteroids

    • Topical creams or lotions can be applied directly to the affected area. Topical corticosteroids include drugs like hydrocortisone or betamethosone. They work by reducing inflammation and alleviating itching and redness caused by poison oak. Topical corticosteroids are a powerful form of relief that should not be used if you have another skin complication such as shingles, chicken pox, measles or tuberculosis. Additionally, topical corticosteroids should not be combined with oral corticosteroids.

    Oral Corticosteroids

    • Oral corticosteroids are often used when poison oak develops into an allergic reaction and begins to ooze or blister. They include medicines like prednisone. Doctors typically prescribe them in multiple doses over a treatment period of 10-14 days. A patient may be asked to take them in decreasing amounts over the treatment period. A patient may also be asked to continue medication beyond the point where a poison oak rash is visible on the skin.

    Antihistamines

    • Antihistamines that treat poison oak come in the form of over-the-counter medications. They include medicines like Benadryl and are taken orally. However, medicines like Benadryl, while useful in alleviating itching, do nothing to curb the spread or healing time of poison oak. In fact, they often do little more than promote drowsiness.

    Other

    • What other medicines exist for poison oak come in the form of topical ointments that provide temporary relief for itching or swelling. These include aloe and Burow's solution. Aloe is a plant used in several skin-care products. It provides instantaneous cooling and lubrication to skin affected by dryness, inflammation and itching. Burow's solution is an astringent; it cools skin and reduces itching by constricting blood vessels.

    Warning

    • Because poison oak is an allergen, it can often cause severe allergic reactions (usually in the form of bubbling or oozing sores around the affected area). If you are exposed to poison oak and develop such a reaction, consult a doctor immediately. A doctor will likely prescribe a steroidal drug like prednisone to combat the spread of poison oak. In the meantime, avoid touching the affected area as much as possible to limit its spread.

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