If you're one of the unlucky people who've encountered poison ivy, you're probably wondering how long the itchy, painful rash is going to last. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, as the duration of a poison ivy rash can vary from person to person.
In general, however, most poison ivy rashes will start to improve within 1-2 weeks. In some cases, the rash may last for up to 3 weeks. If you have a particularly severe rash, or if you develop blisters or swelling, it's important to see a doctor, as you may need to be prescribed medication to help clear up the rash.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of a poison ivy rash:
How Long Does Poison Ivy Last?
Here are 8 important points to keep in mind:
- 1-3 weeks: Average duration
- Up to 6 weeks: Severe cases
- Blisters, swelling: See a doctor
- Wash exposed skin immediately
- Calamine lotion, oatmeal baths
- Oral antihistamines for itching
- Prescription steroids for severe cases
- Prevention is key
By following these tips, you can help relieve the symptoms of a poison ivy rash and speed up the healing process.