Month: August 2023

Ditch the Itch of Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Rashes

Tips for Preventing and Treating the Itchy Rash and Blisters from These Common Plants

It is that time of year again when we all enjoy the great outdoors in Oklahoma.  Sometimes we come into contact with plants that hold poisonous oils. A rash can appear as long a 1-2 weeks after contact with these oils.  The good news is that people can treat the rash at home with symptomatic care.

Preventative Treatment

Prevention is the best treatment!

  • “Leaves of three, let them be”
  • Wear protective clothing, ie: long shirts, pants, socks, gloves
  • Apply Ivy Block or IvyX prior to visiting known areas with toxicodendron plants.
  • Immediately wash area of contact with a detergent dish soap like Dawn, ideally within 2 hours after contact.

Rash Presentation

Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac all present with itchy, red bumps and/or blisters in linear formations where the plant resin comes into contact with the skin.

Home Treatment

For mild, small areas on the body you can try the following treatments at home:

  • Oatmeal baths
  • cool, wet compresses
  • Calamine lotion
  • Topical astringents like witch hazel
  • Topical itch creams like Benadryl cream, 1% hydrocortisone cream, or Gold Bond cream
  • Oral antihistamines like zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra and Benadryl

Medical Treatment

For severe rashes, or rashes involving the face or genitals, seeking medical care is recommended.  The following treatments may be prescribed in addition to the aforementioned home treatments:

  • High dose topical steroids
  • Oral steroids

We hope you don’t come into contact with these poisonous plants but, if you do, Saving Grace is here to help.  If you have any questions or concerns about a rash from one of these plants, call us, schedule a virtual visit or, for families in the Tulsa and OKC metro areas, schedule an in- home visit.

It’s Back to School Time in Oklahoma. Are You Ready for Potential Separation Anxiety?

Easing back-to-school separation anxiety.

We are headed back to school soon and this can cause mixed emotions in both parents and children. Both feelings of joy for a new routine of cognitive stimulation and negative feelings of being apart are normal.  If you find yourself or your child struggling with the thought of back to school separation, here are some ways to make sure everyone feels comfortable with all the anxieties that can come with a new school year.

What are Signs of Anxiety in my Child?

Your child may:

  • Refuse to get ready for school
  • Complain of a tummy ache
  • Fuss about not having any friends
  • Cry and/or cling at drop off
  • Refuse to participate once at school

What are Signs of Struggle for Parents?

Parents may:

  • Prolong the “goodbye”
  • Cave to multiple goodbyes
  • Take extra time telling the teacher about your child
  • Try leaving without saying goodbye
  • Get frustrated when your child cries

What Can You Do to Help the Situation?

  • Let your child know how you are feeling.  When we put on a “front”, our child can sense this and it raises their anxiety.
  • Let your child know it is ok to feel scared or sad but they can still attend school.
  • Reconnect with your child with some one-on-one time after school.
  • Remember that your child will look to you for guidance. It is important to be prepared and give encouraging support.

Remember:

Separation anxiety and fear of a new school year can appear at any age.  Do not be alarmed if your child previously had a great year and is now showing anxiety with the upcoming school year.  This can be due to a new developmental period your child is going through.  It can also happen because of a life change at home (new house, divorce, new baby, etc. ). Keep a positive outlook and support your child with reassurance.  We wish you and your family the best school year in 2023-2024!