Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac: Barrier Lotions and Creams

If you know you will be working around Reference poison ivy, oak, or sumac Opens New Window, you may think about using a barrier cream or lotion. This will help prevent the plant oil (urushiol) from contacting your skin and causing a rash (allergic Reference contact dermatitis Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window).

• Less than 1 hour before contact with the plant, apply the product in a thick, complete layer.
• Wash the product off thoroughly within 4 hours (preferably as soon as possible) after contact with the plants. The product only delays the penetration of the urushiol.
• For continued protection, reapply the product every 4 hours.

Products containing bentoquatam (Ivy Block) have been shown to be highly effective in preventing the rash and reducing its severity.^{Reference 1} Ivy Block should not be used on children younger than age 6 or by anyone who already has a rash from the poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants. Other products that may help protect against a rash include Hollister Moisture Barrier, Hydropel, and IvyX. You can get these products without a prescription.

Barrier creams and lotions do not completely protect against getting a poison ivy rash.

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