Guide To Preventing And Treating A Poison Sumac Rash

Take Lukewarm Baths

To soothe skin at home, patients who have a poison sumac rash may wish to take lukewarm baths. While hot water could dry out and further irritate the skin, lukewarm water will not worsen the patient's symptoms. Some individuals may find cool showers are soothing too. When taking a bath or shower, patients who have a rash should avoid using harsh soaps that might cause dryness. Adding colloidal oatmeal to a bath is beneficial for the relief of itching, and many patients have also found applying a paste of baking soda and water shortly after bathing or showering helps reduce itching. When drying the skin after a bath, dermatologists recommend gently patting the skin dry, as rubbing could exacerbate symptoms. Applying topical medications immediately after a bath or shower can help increase the absorption of the medication. For maximum relief, applying a topical anesthetic such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or menthol to the affected area after a bath could help keep the patient comfortable for an extended period.

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