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People who have experienced plant-induced skin rashes before will be familiar with the signs and symptoms of the condition and may not need to consult a physician. People experiencing a plant rash for the first time should consult a physician.
Common skin rashes that result from exposure to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac and do not require a visit to a physician can be treated with the following steps:
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Following exposure, wash skin thoroughly with soap and warm water as soon as possible. Skin that is washed within 30 minutes after exposure may not react to the urushiol resin. Wash clothing and shoes with soap and hot water, as resin can linger on such surfaces for days.
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Scrub under the fingernails to remove any resin that might be transferred to other areas of the skin through touching or scratching.
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Bathe pets exposed to resin to eliminate the substance from their fur.
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Keep cool by applying cold compresses to the skin or taking cool showers. Body heat and sweating can aggravate itching. Soaking in a lukewarm bath with an oatmeal or baking soda solution also can help relieve itching and help to dry oozing blisters.
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Use of some over-the-counter medications (such as calamine lotion or antihistamines) can help reduce symptoms. Patients should not use any medication without first consulting a physician.
To diagnose plant dermatitis, physicians will perform a complete physical examination, and collect a medical history that addresses:
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The history of the condition
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Any family history of skin rashes
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Potential exposure to poisonous plants
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When the rash first occurred
Once a diagnosis of a plant rash has been made there are a number of treatment options. The severity of the rash will be a deciding factor in the recommended treatment. Usually plant rashes are not severe and are best treated with a soap and water wash followed by calamine lotion to relieve any itchiness. Cool baths containing oatmeal will also help to soothe the skin. Because body heat and sweating can trigger itchiness, patients may also benefit from taking cool showers and applying cool compresses to their skin.
For severe plant rashes the physician may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. Medications that may be used to treat plant rashes include:
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Corticosteroids. Anti-inflammatory medications similar to the hormones produced by the body that help reduce swelling, redness and itching. For plant rashes, creams or ointments are applied to the affected area(s). Very severe rashes may require injected or oral corticosteroids.
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Antihistamines. Medications that block the effects of histamines (chemicals released during an allergic reaction that produce symptoms such as running nose and sneezing).
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Antibiotics. May be prescribed for severe rashes that have become infected.
It is important to note that symptoms may continue to appear after treatment has begun. This is the result of the allergen spreading to other areas of the body through the bloodstream. | 
