Diagnosing & Treating Poison Ivy & Poison Oak Online

Poison ivy and poison oak are plants that often form rashes if you come in contact with the plants. It’s smart to remember this motto: “Leaves of three, let it be.” Both plants grow in leaves of three, so if you can remember this line, hopefully you can avoid the pesky plants!

Here are a few tips on how to avoid poisonous plants:

  1. Cover up all exposed areas of skin with your clothing. Wear closed-toe shoes, socks, long pants, long sleeves and gloves
  2. Steer clear of areas where you know they grow
  3. If you get exposed, wash your skin with soap and warm water right away. If you can get the plant’s oils off of your skin within the first hour, you might help to limit the rash
  4. Scrub under your nails. You can spread the rash if the plant’s oils are still on your hands
  5. Wash your gardening tools, sports equipment, etc. with soap and water

You try your best to utilize the above tips and avoid the poisonous plants, but you still get the rash. You can help with relief and treatment by using:

  • A cold compress
  • Calamine lotion directly on the rash
  • Non-prescription hydrocortisone cream
  • Antihistamines to ease the itching

You and your online doctor can help determine the severity of your poison ivy or poison oak and what type of treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required. With our video capabilities, you can bring your phone, tablet or desktop with video close to the outbreak, so your provider can get a clear view. Your diagnosis will be based on the physical exam, duration, severity of symptoms and your medical history.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. With this feature, our physicians can get a precise, detailed look at your rash before the visit even begins. This feature is also very useful to see how your rash has progressed. If your poison ivy or poison oak rash has been present for a few days and you have a picture from the first day, it is helpful for our providers to see the comparison. If your outbreak is on your face, this feature is specifically useful for those that wear makeup – you can take a picture when you have a clean face, save it and upload before your visit! For best results we recommend pictures be taken in bright, natural light, close to the rash and from a few different angles. If you can give a size perspective, like laying a dime near the reaction, this can be extremely helpful, as well.

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Got Questions? We've got answers.

See below for answers to some of our most common questions. You can also call us anytime 24 hours a day at 1-800-317-0280 to speak to a medical professional about your symptoms or conditions.



 What is an online doctor visit?

TelaCare is an affordable, convenient way to resolve routine medical conditions. Our unique, secure, technology makes it possible to see a doctor, face to face, without you having to leave your home on your smartphone, desktop or telephone. With video, providers can look, listen and engage with you to diagnose your health concerns and provide an effective treatment plan.

 Does TelaCare offer refunds?

No, All sales are final, and no refunds will be offered or accepted on services purchased from TelaCare. As we are a medical benefits company like any other benefit, once you accept our terms and conditions, you have purchased our services and accept this refund policy as a whole. Services can be canceled in the system at your discretion under account settings if your account is completed. Your satisfaction with your purchase is essential to us. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us at support@telacare.com


 Can I get a prescription online?

Yes, in general you can get a prescription online. There is support for this nationwide, however there are several exceptions. 


 Can I see a doctor if I am traveling outside of the United States?

While we hope to soon be available internationally, we currently only operate in the United States.


 If my condition cannot be treated through TelaCare, can I still discuss it with a doctor?

If it is not an emergency condition, yes. Doctors at TelaCare are able to provide medical advice, counsel you about your condition, and help you work through your treatment options.

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