Treatment For Poison Ivy

Over 350,000 Americans contract poison ivy each year.  Normally found in wooded areas, it is also prone to grow in rocky areas and open fields.  As a result, individuals can easily come in contact with the plant when venturing outdoors and become exposed to poison ivy.

Preventative measures are important particularly if individuals know they are going to an area where they may come in contact with the plant.  It is also important to be aware of  an effective poison ivy treatment in case of exposure.

PREVENTION OF EXPOSURE

The best prevention is being proactive and knowing how to identify a poison ivy plant.  There are four physical traits common to the plant.  The first is its arrangement of three leaflets together on a stem.  The second characteristic is that the middle leaf in the leaflet cluster has the longest stem.  Thirdly, the leaves alternate in their display, while lastly they do not have thorns.

Often the color of a poison ivy plant will act as an important physical identifier.  In the summertime, the leaves of a poison ivy plant are all green.  During the springtime, new leaflets will grow in red.  When autumn approaches, the leaflets will turn a reddish-orange hue.  Finally, in the wintertime with cooler temperatures, poison ivy leaves will display black areas. Poison ivy will also grow small clusters of white and light yellow seeds that resemble small pumpkins.

by wallygrom under CC BY-SA  with wpseopix.com

Poison Ivy

.

When familiar with an area, it is easy to avoid places where poison ivy is known to grown.  However, if you are unfamiliar with a location that may be susceptible to poison ivy growth, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants may reduce the risk of contamination.  What makes poison ivy particularly difficult to spot is that it can grow in a variety of ways including ground cover, freestanding shrubs, and as a vine.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO POISON IVY

by SashaW under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Poison Ivy Rash

.

The sap of a poison ivy plant is what causes the physical reaction in the skin.  Within the sap is a chemical called pentadecylcatechol that combines together to create urushiol.

When the leaves of poison ivy are touched, the plant automatically pulls the sap containing the urushiol to the surface and makes contact with the skin.

Once the urushiol contacts the dermatitis, it will begin an allergic reaction that is generally distinguishable by a rash.

The skin will typically become inflamed, forming small bumps or fluid filled blisters. The blisters that typically develop with the rash do not spread the poison ivy.

However, breaking open the blisters may spread bacteria.  The clinical terminology for the skin irritation is Rhus Dermatitis.

The skin area that was exposed to the poison ivy will typically be itchy and irritated.  Inflammation will typically begin to develop anywhere from eight to forty-eight hours after contact with the plant.  It extreme cases it may take as little as five hours and up two weeks to show symptoms.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW! Smoke inhaled that contains burned poison ivy will react with the lining of the lungs.  This may cause damage to the respiratory system.  Additionally, poison ivy that is ingested can also damage the lining of the mouth along with the digestive tract.

POISON IVY TREATMENT

When skin is exposed to poison ivy, the areas affected should be immediately washed with water.  Soap should not be used because it may contain trace amounts of urushiol and exacerbate the rash.  If the afflicted area is cleaned with ten to fifteen minutes of contact, many of the symptoms may be averted.  Waiting any longer then this may be ineffective because most of the urushiol is absorbed into the skin within a half hour.

There are several medications available such as Tecnu or Zanfel that are designed to remove urushiol from the skin.  Tecnu requires application within eight hours of exposure and removes the oil in the skin and pulls out the urushiol.  Zanfel is another topical treatment and works by breaking apart the chemical bond of urushiol from skin.

Calamine lotion is often used after a skin rash develops.  It has anti-itching properties and acts as a mild antiseptic that prevents infections to areas that are afflicted by scratching.  Often calamine lotion will help sooth areas that develop blisters.

Many antihistamine pills will work to reduce the redness and relieve itchiness.  Popular brands such as Benadryl are available over the counter, while medications like Vistaril will require a prescription.

Wet and cool compresses may also help sooth the ache of skin irritation caused by poison ivy.  Applying Burow’s solution to a compress may also relieve pain because of its astringent and antibacterial properties.

For severe cases of poison ivy, a prescription corticosteroid may be required.  They are dispensed in a variety of methods including pills, creams, gels, ointments, and shots.  Typically an oral version is considered by physicians to be the most effective.

Simple home baths may also provide relief to those suffering from poison ivy.  Dermatologists often recommend an oatmeal bath because they help balance the skin’s pH, while acting as a natural cleanser.  They protect and moisturize the skin from irritants like urushiol.

If a poison ivy rash is severe and covers an extensive amount of the body, or lasts for an extended period of time, it is important to consult with a physician.  They will most likely prescribe an antibiotic cream to apply to the skin along with antibiotics to fight possible infections.

IMPORTANT! While certain creams and ointments can soothe the pain, it is important to stay away from medications such as antihistamines that are applied directly to the skin, anesthetics containing benzocaine, and antibiotics containing neomycin because they could cause an allergic reaction.

CONCLUSION

There are old adages such as, “Leaves of three let them be,” and “Longer middle stem; stay away from them,” but despite the warnings many individuals find themselves exposed to poison ivy each year.  Knowing how to properly identify the plant will reduce the risk of exposure.  More importantly is to know what is an effective poison ivy treatment in case of unexpected exposure because it is such a widely distributed plant.

Poison Ivy is quite a common plant, and while it may be used in some ways as a medicine to treat certain conditions, more often than not it is recognized for its ability to give you the rash of a lifetime. The problem with Poison Ivy lies mostly in the fact that the poison is contained within an oil, which is basically a natural self-defense mechanisms against anything that might decide to prey on the plant.

The fact that it’s an oil means it can be quite easily spread around your body, your clothes, and even various places around your house. The worst part about it is that you only learn that you have it about three hours after you get it, giving you plenty of time to spread some poison ivy goodness all around you. Fortunately though, you don’t have to just tough it out as there are ways to deal with Poison Ivy. However, it is necessary to get familiar with the enemy before attacking it.

First off, you should keep in mind that while Poison Ivy can be debilitating and extremely annoying, it doesn’t represent that much of a health danger and isn’t a reason to panic, or even see your doctor for that matter. In any case, how long does poison ivy last? Well, the effects usually last for a period of around two weeks, after which they start to subside.

If you simply decide to not treat the condition and let your body handle it, then chances are that it will last longer and may even bring about some dermatologic complications. However, if you work on treating it then chances are that the effects are going to disappear sooner.

So how exactly should you provide yourself with some relief when afflicted with a poison ivy rash? Well, to start things off your first instinct is going to be to scratch it, and needless to say you should refrain from doing that as much as possible. For some quick relief, wash the infected spot with some warm water and some type of very powerful anti-microbiological soap.

There are actually soaps and creams which have been specifically designed to eliminate the pain and itchiness caused by a poison ivy rash, although they are over-the-counter products so you will need to specifically ask for them.

However, quick relief is only your first worry in this case; take great care to wipe anything you may have touched in your house before thoroughly washing and treating your infection. Particles from the poison ivy’s oil are very easily transmissible and latch on to various surfaces, especially metal ones. To make a long story short, after purifying yourself completely, work on purifying anything you may have touched around you.

All things said, poison ivy is not going to give you some type of deadly and poisonous rash, but it will make your life quite annoying. Simply work on staying clean and apply anti-poison ivy products when necessary, and within a couple of weeks the symptoms should be completely gone.

Poison ivy is indigenous in North America and grows in almost every place in the US apart. The plant Poison ivy plant, just like poison oak and poison sumac, contains an oily sap that results in an irritating rash when it comes in contact with the skin.

The itchy rush may last for at least 3 weeks before disappearing completely and it is vital to know how to cure poison ivy. Classified as a toxicodendron, poison ivy has three leaflets which emerge with a reddish shade during spring but in summer they turn green. It is advisable to recognize the plant in all its guises and avoid it as a precaution.

TREATING POISON IVY WITH DRUGS
Learning how to cure poison ivy helps one to get some relief from the ivy rash symptoms. There are a number of over-the-counter medications for treating the poison ivy. People who are over-sensitive to poison need to seek the advice of a physician where a shot may be administered. Antihistamine pills and medication are usually used to remedy the rash symptoms.

They aid in relieving the itching caused by the rush as well as drying the blisters thereof. The antihistamine drugs common in the market include Benadryl as an over the counter medication and Vistraril (Hydroxyzine) administered by prescription. The other option of drugs that is instrumental in treating the poison ivy rash is the Corticosteroids.

These come in pills or as skin products such as ointments and creams. Corticosteroids may also be administered in shots. Lotions and barrier creams also help in preventing uroshiol (the poison ivy plant sap) from causing the symptom rash on your skin.

NATUURAL REMEDIES IN CURING POISON IVY
Besides drugs there are a number of natural remedies known to relieve the poison ivy. The most powerful home remedy suggested on how to cure poison ivy is the baking soda. By taking a warm bath in a solution of baking soda in water and soaking the affected areas, the poison will be leached out.

The areas affected on your skin will begin to dry out by the following day and a regular treatment with the baking soda will lead to desirable results. Crushed leaves of jewelweed are also a good natural remedy for poison ivy when applied to the affected area.

Oatmeal is also used to relieve the symptoms of poison ivy. Boiling oatmeal in water and letting it cool before applying it on the affected area till a thick layer forms is good cure the poison ivy rash. The oatmeal layer that forms is then left to dry and harden. Better results may be obtained by mixing the oatmeal with about two table spoons of baking soda.

Further, vinegar may be sprinkled on the rashes to relieve the itch. White distilled vinegar and apple cider vinegar has been reported to be effective in drawing out the poison. Other natural remedies include rubbing with banana peel, using dishwashing liquid use as anti-grease agents and applying of Aloe Vera gel.

PROS AND CONS
Most of the poison ivy cures such as the cider vinegar do interact with medication, diuretics and laxatives. This can be harmful at times and any noted reaction should be reported to your physician. The vinegar also has been shown in clinical studies to lower the potassium levels in the body as well as the bone density. In addition cider vinegar as a way on how to cure poison ivy naturally should not be used by diabetics since it contains chromium which affects the level of insulin in the body.

It would be better to know how the poison ivy plant looks like and avoid it altogether. Using protective clothing when working in an environment with poison ivy plants is a good measure to avoid the trouble of the poison on you.

Poison ivy reminds me of the movie ‘Poison Ivy’ in which there is a show of dangerous liaisons and alarming and distressingly lethal situations that arose thereof. Poison ivy is something akin to the character portrayed in that movie.

Poison ivy is in fact a vine that is found growing naturally nearly anywhere from a wooded jungle to your own backyard. It produces small grayish white berries which are a favorite diet of deer, birds and goats. Winds, birds and animals play a major role in transferring its pollen and seeds in and around the vicinity of its wild growth.

Poison ivy is found in three varieties as a creeping plant clinging to trees, an enormous shrub or a low-lying trailing plant. There are no thorns present on the vine stems. The leaves appear green in summer and red in autumn. This plant is distinguishable by the unique cluster of 3 leaflets which complete one whole leaf growth. The center leaf has a slightly longer stem while the other two have shorter ones and are positioned on opposite sides. The leaves are broader at the base level and taper to a point towards the end.

Poison Ivy

The leaves contain a powerful poisonous oil resin called Urushiol that is hazardous to human beings. The properties of this oil have inflammatory and itching effects on humans. On contact with the skin, a burning sensation will break out instantly causing the person to scratch hard. The result thereof would be an irritable red colored rash with sweating and pus formation that would eventually crack and break up the skin if treatment is not provided immediately.

If you are one of the unfortunate few to have a poison ivy growing in your yard or near about your house, it is best advisable to know how the ways and means to get rid of poison ivy in a jiffy.

Pulling out the poison ivy vine from the ground is by far the best means of eradicating this menace. But precaution works better than cure always. Before pulling out the poison ivy from the ground yourself, it is best to wear suitable clothing first of all like full pants, full sleeved shirts, boots, plastic gloves. You will need to be very careful as not to allow the vine or leaves to touch any part of your skin. Use a hoe for deeper growth of roots. You might need to repeat this process as some roots might inevitably be left out of sight. Place the uprooted plants and leaves in a garbage disposal bag and deposit it with the garbage van only. Do not let it lie around as the seeds will again germinate and sprout up. Under NO circumstances should you try to burn the plant as its fumes are lethal and would affect your lungs and breathing. The effects can be disastrous and very painful to the inhaler.

You can also use an effective herbicide to spray on the leaves generously. This will eventually kill the pest. Keep children and pets indoors while you undertake this task.

In case your skin comes in contact with poison ivy the first thing is not to panic and start scratching. It is better to wash off the Urushiol oil with cold water instantly. This helps in closing the pores and reducing the effects of the contamination. Do not use hot water as this would open up the skin pores and the oil would have a better chance of entering deeper into the skin tissues.

You can also use home remedies to alter the effects of the poison. Use Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar for applying on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour or so. You can also use an application made by mixing little water and Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) and apply it on the itching area. This will help in pulling out the poison from the skin to quite an extent if not completely. You can repeat this till you get complete relief. You can also get medication from your local drugstore for relief from poison ivy contamination symptoms. For more details, read the full Treatment For Poison Ivy.

Poison ivy is a dreadful plant to be near to. Keep a safe distance from it as much as possible. Terminate it at the first sign of appearance in your garden or vicinity. If you are unable to do it yourself, get professional help. Live a stress free life.

Poison ivy refers to plants that cause red and itchy rashes in people who come in contact with them. The rash usually has red lines and can sometimes develop blisters. What makes poison ivy poisonous is a chemical that is contained in the sap of the plant, called urushiol. Urushiol is present in every part of the plant, from its roots to its leaves, and even a very tiny amount of this chemical can produce rashes. Poison ivy should be avoided to prevent rashes. Poison ivy can be difficult to distinguish from other plants and can grow anywhere, but there are some characteristics that can help you recognize these plants.

Poison ivy causes allergic reactions in 10 to 50 million people every year in the United States. The area of your skin that comes into contact with poison ivy develops a rash within a few days or more, rather than immediately. The rash usually causes itchiness, swelling, redness, burning and sometimes forms blisters. Depending on the amount of exposure to the poison ivy, the rash can go away in a week or can stay for longer. People who develop a rash from coming into contact with poison ivy should seek medical attention. It has been said that about 85 per cent of people are allergic to poison ivy. People have different reactions to poison ivy. Some people do not develop a reaction when they first encounter poison ivy, but after repeated exposure to poison ivy.  If you have been exposed to poison ivy recently, you should read the Treatment For Poison Ivy.

What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?

Poison ivy can be found anywhere in the United States, apart from certain regions including the Southwest of the US, Alaska and Hawaii where poison ivy does not grow. Poison ivy usually requires moist conditions to grow. That is why poison ivy is mostly found in areas where there are suitable moist conditions, like pastures, woods and riverbanks.

Here are some pictures of poison ivy, so it will be easier to recognize it when you see it…

While poison ivy tends to blend in with other plants, there are certain characteristics that can help you to identify poison ivy plants. It is commonly said that poison ivy plants grow in leaves of three, with a middle leaf that is longer than the rest. This is a useful marker that can help you recognize some poison ivy plants. However, there are poison ivy plants that do not abide by this rule and can come in different numbers of leaves up to nine, so you should identify poison ivy using other markers as well.  Poison ivy generally grows in clusters as weed-like and low plants, or as poison ivy vines that grow over trees or fences. Poison ivy usually has leaves that have smooth edges or edges with tiny teeth. The leaves of poison ivy plants turn a reddish-green color during spring, green in summer, and turn red, orange or yellow in the fall. Poison ivy have berries that are usually white. These characteristics can help you recognize poison ivy and set them apart from other plants, so that you can better avoid them.

It can be seen that poison ivy is a plant that causes allergic reactions in most people when there has been direct contact with the plant. Poison ivy grows throughout most parts of the United States, but often grows in moist conditions. Though hard to tell at first, there are certain characteristics that can help you identify poison ivy so that you can avoid them.