MDM - Poison Ivy Dermatitis

[##]-year-old [male/female] with [rash] with history and exam consistent with likely contact dermatitis from poison ivy or sumac.

Initial considerations in this patient included contact dermatitis from poison ivy or sumac, shingles, bullous pemphigoid, contact dermatitis from other irritants, disseminated gonoccal disease, and other infectious and non-infectious etiologies of rash among others. 

Patient presented with an erythematous, pruritic rash with associated blisters and a recent history of exposure to likely poison ivy or sumac from [describe activity] consistent with contact dermatitis.  No evidence of fever, systemic infectious symptoms, or other evidence suggestive of significant infectious rash.   

We discussed symptomatic treatment with cool, wet compresses, oatmeal baths, topical calamine lotion, and oral antihistamine.  We discussed discharge with steroid taper over 15 days to avoid rebound dermatitis, and the patient demonstrated understanding and agreement with this plan.  We discussed return precautions and recommended follow up with primary care doctor within one week.