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Are there any prescription treatments for poison ivy?

Poison ivy is a plant that has three leaves on each stem and grows as a vine or bush. The leaves, roots, and stems of the plant contain oily chemicals that cause a skin reaction in many people. The reaction occurs within two days of exposure and includes intense itching, red patches that are either raised or flat, blisters, and swelling. The oils of the plant are very potent and can be transferred to the skin if your clothing brushes up against the plant, or if you touch something, such as tools or pet fur, that has come into contact with the oils.

Prescription treatments for poison ivy are usually not needed unless the skin reaction is severe or nonprescription treatments don't work. Steroids in cream or ointment form, like triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog), may be prescribed for intense itching or swelling. Other steroids taken in tablet form, such as >prednisone, can be prescribed for 7 to 21 days to help lessen severe reactions.

Sources:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Diseases and Conditions, “Poison ivy rash.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/10/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 10/25/2000.
This information updated 1/10/2007.