It is inevitable that your child will, one day, get a rash, the chicken pox, or poison ivy. Here are some tips on how to prevent your kids from coming in contact with poison ivy and how to soothe the itching associated with these ailments.

Rashes, Chicken Pox, and Poison Ivy 

Give your child a lukewarm bath with oatmeal, Aveeno, or baking soda to soothe the itching.

Benedryl eases itching and is usually safe for children over two.

Dress your child in loose, cotton clothing.

Trim his nails or put socks or gloves on his hands to cut down on scratching.

To relieve itching, dab calamine lotion on sores. Make it more entertaining by giving your child a fun-shaped sponge or paintbrush to paint on calamine lotion.

To avoid contact with poison ivy, teach your child what the leaves look like-three leaves, dark and shiny, with a red vein through the middle, that contact with oils from the plant cause an allergic rash on the skin, and the phrase "leaves of three, beware of me."

To avoid contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac while outdoors, dress your child in long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and shoes. Clothing can carry and spread the oils from these plants, so wash clothing immediately, and separately from other family laundry, if you suspect your child has come in contact with the plant.

If you suspect your child has come in contact with poison ivy, wash his skin immediately for a few minutes. If you catch it quickly enough, the oil can be washed from the skin before an allergic reaction takes place.

Severe reactions to poison ivy, including extreme swelling, need medical treatment and sometimes a prescription for cortisone cream.

Keep your child out of the sun until the rash subsides.

For severe itching, call your pediatrician for recommendations or a prescription for hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamine. If the rash appears infected, call your pediatrician immediately.

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