Poison Ivy is a vine that is usually found growing up trees in the woods. The vine looks raggy or hairy and from the vine grows leaves in clusters of three almond shaped leaves. These leaves are light to dark green and do not contain any thorns. They are usually smooth and shiny and turn red in the fall. The leaves produce an oil called urushiol which, if touched, can cause a nasty rash.

This rash is the most aggravating rash known to man. It itches and hurts at the same time. It can spread all over the body and even creep into the body through any orifice that it can get into including the eyes, nose and genitals. When it does this it is a very serious problem and immediate professional help should be sought.

Under normal conditions the rash presents itself by a reddening of the skin, bumps and blisters. Traditionally the rash has been treated with a coating of Calamine lotion so that it will dry out and stop itching. The rash is brought on by an allergy to the urushiol and most people are affected by it, yet there are many who do not have any reaction when touching the plant.

The blisters can break and a fluid will be released so it is important not to scratch. The fluid can get under the finger nails and be taken other places on the body and start a secondary infection. Rashes start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and can last from 1 to 4 weeks.

Unfortunately poison ivy can be spread in other ways besides touching it. If you burn the plant, even if it is dead, you risk getting a rash on the lungs while breathing in the smoke which can be fatal. If a pet or any livestock touches the plant and you touch the animal soon after you can get it because the oil will live on the fir of the animal for several hours. If you are cleaning up dead vines be aware that the oil can live for up to 2 years.

If you are pulling weeds and all of a sudden you see a poison ivy leaf swiftness is essential. Go quickly within 10 minutes and clean whatever part of the body you think touched the leaf with rubbing alcohol. Take the hose and hose down the area and always use cold water because warm or hot water will allow the harmful oil to spread. Never get in a bathtub of cold water because you will spread the oil to other parts of your body. Just rinse off the areas that were touched.

The next thing you should do is put on some disposable gloves and take off the clothes and shoes you were wearing and discard the gloves. Take a shower but do not use soap. Instead take the soap you use to wash dishes but make sure it does not have lotion in it and it does have a grease repellent. Put more gloves on and wash down your shoes and clothing with water and alcohol. The poison oil can cling to your clothing and if you put it in the washer you could infect the everyone in the house.

Calamine lotion has been the traditional treatment for the condition but you can also use steroid cream or take an oral antihistamine. Some doctors will administer steroids orally or with an injection. Try a cool bath with three tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in the water. A great old remedy is to make some Old Fashion Oatmeal and let it cool. Spread it on the area and let it dry. If it starts to flake or fall off secure it with some gauze bandages.

Other remedies include vinegar because tends to draw the oil from the skin so dab some on to the affected area. This will hurt at first but it is worth it in the end. Spreading honey on the rash and covering with gauze might be messy but it works. It is said that peeling a banana and putting the inside part of the peel against the rash will stop the itch and cool the inflammation. The best remedy for poison ivy is prevention. Stay away from it if you see it and if you notice that you have touched it take preventative measures immediately. If the rash is severe and excessive swelling occurs do not wait, go directly to the hospital.

Find the information and details you need to get a cure for poison ivy easy! When you need a poison ivy treatment that will give you immediate relief, you can find it today!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }