Medical and Surgical Dermatology
Poison Ivy and Other Contact Dermatitis
- Irritants or allergens that get in contact with the skin can lead to itchy and sometimes painful rashes.
- Common allergens include plants (poison ivy and poison oak are everywhere here in Connecticut!), chemicals (including certain ingredients in skin care products), medications (including Neosporin) and metals (nickel in costume jewelry, watch clasps, belt buckles).
Our treatment approach:
| Contact dermatitis | Medical treatment: |
| Identifying and avoiding the culprit | |
| Topical steroids | |
| Topical non-steroidal ointments | |
| Oral anti-itch medications (antihistamines) |