Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac: pretty much everyone knows to steer clear of these plants. That’s because they contain urushiol, an oil that causes allergic contact dermatitis for most people. Basically, if you get it on your skin, you’re in for an itchy, bumpy rash.
But what happens when poison ivy comes in contact with your eyes? It’s less common, but it can happen, and it’s definitely something to take seriously.
If you think you have poison ivy in your eye, quick action and the right treatment are key to preventing complications and easing discomfort.
This article will walk you through the symptoms of poison ivy in eye, what to do for first aid, how it’s treated, and — most importantly — how to prevent it in the first place. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions.
What is poison ivy and how does it affect the skin?
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain an oily resin called urushiol. This oil is what causes the itchy, bumpy rash so many people know and loathe.
About 85% of people are allergic to urushiol, so it’s a good idea to know how the oil spreads and how to avoid it.
Modes of transmission
Urushiol can come into contact with your skin in these ways:
- Direct contact with the plant
- Indirect contact from touching pets or contaminated objects
- Potentially through inhaling smoke from burning plants
It’s important to know that the rash itself isn’t contagious, but the oil can spread from one part of your body to another or from one person to another.
How does poison ivy get in your eye?
Poison ivy exposure is often connected to outdoor activities. If you hike, camp, garden, play outdoor sports, or do yard work, you’re more likely to come into contact with the plant.
Even if you don’t touch poison ivy directly, you can still get exposed. Pets can carry the oil, called urushiol, on their fur and spread it to you. The oil can also stick to tools, clothing, and other objects.
The best way to protect yourself from poison ivy is to understand how it spreads and take precautions when you’re outside.
What are the symptoms of poison ivy in the eye?
If poison ivy gets in or around your eye, you’ll probably notice redness and swelling of the eyelids. You might also feel an itching or burning sensation, and your eyes may water more than usual.
Small bumps or blisters can also form on your eyelids.
In severe cases, the swelling can be so extreme that it shuts your eyes completely. You may also feel like you have sand or grit in your eye. Some people with poison ivy in the eye also become extremely sensitive to light and experience pain.
What to do if you get poison ivy in your eye
If you think you’ve gotten poison ivy in your eye, immediate action is critical.
The first thing you should do is flush your eye with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. This helps wash away the urushiol oil that causes the allergic reaction and reduces its impact.
Whatever you do, avoid rubbing your eye. Rubbing can spread the oil to other areas and worsen the irritation.
Next, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent further contamination. Urushiol oil sticks to the skin, so wash it off as soon as you can.
Home Remedies for Symptom Relief
If you’re dealing with poison ivy in or near your eye, remember that home remedies can help you feel better temporarily, but they’re not a replacement for medical treatment. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Cool Compresses
Applying cool compresses to the itchy, swollen area can help you feel a bit better for a little while.
Oral Antihistamines
Taking an oral antihistamine can also help relieve the itching that comes with a poison ivy rash.
Important Note
Don’t use over-the-counter cortisone or calamine lotion near your eyes without talking to a doctor first. These medications may not be safe for use around the eyes.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. This is especially true if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, a very large rash or areas of swelling, or signs of an infection like pus or a fever.
If you think you have poison ivy in your eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor (an ophthalmologist). They can prescribe steroid eye drops, antihistamines, or other treatments that are safe to use around your eyes.
Medical Treatments for Poison Ivy in the Eye
If you think you have poison ivy in your eye, you need to see a doctor. Your doctor will assess the severity of your reaction and prescribe the right treatment for you.
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
- Oral steroids for severe reactions.
- Antihistamines to relieve itching.
It’s extremely important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Don’t stop taking your medication early, even if your eye starts to feel better. Early termination of treatment can cause the inflammation to return.
How to avoid getting poison ivy in your eye
The best way to deal with poison ivy is to avoid it. Here’s how:
- Learn to identify it. Remember the old saying, “Leaves of three, let them be.”
- Stay away from it. When you’re hiking or doing anything outdoors, avoid areas where poison ivy grows.
- Wear protective clothing. If you’re going into an area where poison ivy might be, wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and even eyewear.
- Get rid of it. Check your property for poison ivy. If you find it, remove it or control its growth.
How to remove urushiol oil from skin, clothing, and pets
If you think you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, you should wash your skin, clothing, and shoes right away.
The best way to remove the oil is to wash the area with soap and water. Experts recommend washing the affected area thoroughly three times.
If you’ve been hiking or spending time outdoors, you should also bathe your pets. Urushiol oil can stick to their fur and cause a reaction if it gets on your skin.
Urushiol can remain active on surfaces for a long time, so it’s important to clean anything that might have come into contact with the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poison Ivy and the Eyes
Can poison ivy in the eye cause blindness?
No, poison ivy in the eye is definitely not a path to blindness. It’s going to cause irritation and discomfort, but it won’t affect your vision permanently.
How long does poison ivy last?
Generally, you can expect a poison ivy rash to clear up on its own within a few weeks. Just gotta ride it out, unfortunately.
Is poison ivy contagious?
The rash itself isn’t contagious, so you can’t “catch” it from someone else’s rash. However, the urushiol oil, the stuff that causes the reaction, can spread if it’s still on the skin or clothing.
To Conclude
If you think you’ve gotten poison ivy in your eye, rinse it out right away and get medical attention. It’s important to act quickly.
To reduce your chances of dealing with poison ivy in the future, learn how to identify the plant, wear protective clothing when you’re in wooded areas, and wash your hands and clothes thoroughly after potential exposure.
By being careful, you can protect yourself and your family from the misery of poison ivy.