What's Going Around: Skin Rashes

The Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health said a stomach bug is hitting in Sapulpa and Okmulgee, but many of our doctors and nurses are seeing skin rashes due to Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac.

Most people will have intense itching and rash. Symptoms typically peak from one to 14 days after exposure.

If you get Poison Ivy, you should remove all clothing and wash with soap and water to remove oil from the plant, use a Calamine lotion, cool compresses, baking soda, or oatmeal baths to give some relief.

Your clothes, tools, and pets should all be washed with soap and water to prevent secondary exposure. You can also use Zanfel; doctors said it is the only product known to remove the toxin responsible for the reaction.

The itching and pain usually go away within 30 seconds. If it does not get better then you will need to see your doctor.