While we are still in the season for picnicking, hiking and outdoor camping, keep your eyes open for outside dangers. Among these is poison ivy, a plant that can cause painful, itching blisters on any part of the body, consisting of eyelids. Twenty-five million to 40 million Americans need medical attention each year after being exposed to poison ivy or one of its cousins, poison oak and poison sumac.
Why Do Poison Ivy in the Eye Happen?
The culprit in these plants is a resin or oil called Urushiol. The reaction to Urushiol is a kind of allergic contact dermatitis, called Rhus dermatitis for the genus of that plant family. Over half the population is sensitive with 10 percent to 15 percent being highly sensitive. A moderate case lasts from 5 to 12 days but a severe case can last up to 30 days.
Treatment for Poison Ivy in Eye
There is actually no specific treatment if it is truly in the eye itself. There are antihistamine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrops offered to decrease the swelling and itching. Steroid eyedrops can be used if necessary. See your eye doctor for a careful evaluation prior to putting anything in your eyes.
Just like lots of issues, the best treatment is prevention. “Leaves of three, let it be,” is a good saying to keep in mind to help you determine the plant with leaves in groups of three. If you do be available in contact with the plant, wash with soap and cool water to remove the oil. Warm water can open the pores of the skin, permitting the oil to get into the skin. Also clean your clothes and any tools or camping gear. Do not forget to wipe your shoes. If your animal has actually gone through poison ivy, shower him. The oil can remain active for approximately 3 weeks after exposure and cause a new break out in anybody who touches it.
If despite your precautions, you get a poison ivy rash, you can use an over the counter lotion such as calamine, use cool compresses or take cool baths. If it is more severe, your doctor can prescribe topical and oral steroids. If you have a rash near your eyes, call us right away. All our physicians at The Eye Care Institute have the ability to prescribe treatment to minimize a poison ivy outbreak and let you get back to enjoying your summer season and fall.
What to Do With Poison Ivy on an Eyelid?
For the eyelids, cold compresses can be relaxing. Keep your head above your heart to lower swelling. If you do put anything on the eyelid skin, be extremely mindful to not enable any to obtain into the eyes. The process is self-limited, so you can generally hold out and do nothing and be great.