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Plant Allergy Usually self-care at home is all that is needed for a reaction to these plants. Self-CareIf you are exposed to any of these plants or their oils, wash thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. An alternative is rubbing alcohol, which can dissolve and remove the oils from your skin. If you can remove the oil within 10 minutes, you are unlikely to develop the rash. Symptoms from a mild rash can sometimes be relieved by the following:
Nonprescription corticosteroid (eg, hydrocortisone) creams usually do not help. Do not attempt to treat severe reactions or to "wait it out" at home. If the reaction seems to be more severe than usual, seek medical care through your doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions. Typically, these rashes do not cause emergencies but if the reaction appears to be serious, go immediately to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance. Here are some things to do while waiting for the ambulance:
Medical TreatmentLike most allergic reactions, treatment is dictated by the severity of the reaction. Reactions that cover a large proportion of your body, make you uncomfortable enough to disrupt your normal activities, or do not get better within a few days may require treatment with prescription medications. |
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