DERMATITIS
Inflammation of the skin that occurs from contact with an irritant substance (poison ivy, soaps, etc.).
CAUSE
Skin contact with irritating agent.
PREVENTION/TREATMENT PLAN
A.Avoid aggravating agents.
B.Learn to recognize all plants (poison ivy, poison oak, etc.).
C.Flare-ups are common.
D.Avoid all known stimuli (poison ivy, soaps, etc.).
E.Do not wear tight, restrictive clothing.
F.When around irritating substances, wear gloves for protection.
G.For poison ivy, wash all clothes, shoes, pets, or other substances that may have come in contact with the poison ivy oil.
Activity: As tolerated. Take cool baths as needed for itching. Oatmeal baths (Aveeno bath) help soothe the itching.
Diet: Regular diet.
Medications: Take Benadryl as needed for itching. Use calamine lotion as needed. Steroid creams may also be prescribed if the reaction is severe. Steroid dose packs may be needed if you are not getting better.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Worsening symptoms.
B.Sores on your face, eyes, or ears.
C.More redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.
D.Secondary bacterial infection.
E.Fever.
F.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
American Academy of Dermatology
9500 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ste 500, Rosemont, IL 60018-5216
United States
Phone: (888) 462-DERM (3376)
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE