Cellulitis

Poison ivy blisters

Fact Checked

Poison ivy is a toxic plant that generates urushiol which is a slippery substance that can be found in the stem, leaves and even the roots of the plant. When urushiol comes in direct contact with the skin, some people develop allergic contact dermatitis. Blisters cause itching and ooze fluids from the skin, but will not contaminate others. The blisters can burst and become susceptible to infection if it is constantly scratched.

Causes of poison ivy blisters-

The leaves, roots and stems of the poison ivy has resin called urushiol which triggers an allergic reaction on the skin called contact dermatitis. This is an inflammation caused by direct contact with a foreign element.  These foreign elements can cause inflammation in two ways such as irritation and an allergic reaction.

Urushiol resin can be transferred using the fingers or fur from animals and remain in the clothing, shoes and tools for months. The urushiol forms a bond with the skin which makes it difficult to eliminate. Wash off the skin immediately after exposure to these oils to prevent the formation of blisters which can be very painful, itchy and uncomfortable.  The blisters can leak and ooze fluids which is considered normal.

Treatment

Poison ivy blisters
Apply a moist and cold compress to provide relief from the itchiness and soften the formation of the hard crust on the blisters and rashes.
  • Apply a moist and cold compress to provide relief from the itchiness and soften the formation of the hard crust on the blisters and rashes. Paper towels, gauze and washcloths can also be used as wet compresses throughout the day for relief from the itchiness. Another remedy is by blowing a fan into the wet compresses which lessens the itching and dries out the blisters.
  • Mix oatmeal, baking soda and a few drops of water and then mix well to create a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and let it air dry. The paste dries the skin and lessens the itchiness. Another way is taking a bath in cool and tepid water by adding oatmeal and baking soda to the water for relief from the itching.
  • Apply over-the-counter calamine lotion. It cools and dries out the poison ivy blisters. Apply the lotion at least 3-4 every day until the skin stops oozing fluids. Avoid using calamine lotion too long to prevent drying of the skin, increased itchiness and cracking of the skin.
  • Take a hot shower to relieve the pain.
  • Rub a tincture of iodine into the affected area using a cotton wipe. Tincture of iodine is a weak iodine solution and works as a disinfectant that prevents the formation of blisters.
  • In a tub filled with hot water, add 2-3 cups of Epsom salts. Take a bath in the solution to lessen the itchiness and promote faster healing of the blisters. For severe cases, soak of piece of clean washcloth or gauze in the solution of salt and water and then wrap it around the blisters. This procedure minimizes the severe oozing of the blisters.
Scroll to Top
Call Now Button

At St Mark James Training we work hard to ensure accurate and useful information on our blog website. However, the information that we post on our website is purely for educational purposes and should not be used as diagnosis or treatment. If you need medical advise please contact a medical professional

  • All cprhcp.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.