Millions across North America suffer the uncomfortable effects of coming in contact with poison ivy. Relief is within reach and can be found without a trip to the doctor.
The rash (toxicondendron dermatitis) is an allergic response to contact with the oil (urushiol) of the poison ivy plant. Poison ivy plants grow in low grounds and thickets in shrub groupings or in vines. Be on the look out for the infamous “leaves of three”.
Poison Ivy Symptoms
Symptoms develop within 24 to 72 hours of contact and include the following:
- An itchy, blistering rash
- A rash that may “weep”
- A rash that often appears in straight lines and/or in a streak formations
Left untreated, the poison ivy rash will last approximately 1-3 weeks.
Home Treatments For Poison Ivy
Home treatments are effective and should be started immediately upon the appearance of first symptoms.
- Vitamin C by mouth - Take 500 mg., 4 times daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Vitamin C Paste - Make a paste Vitamin C powder as follows: To ¼ cup Vitamin C powder add boiled water, teaspoon by teaspoon until a paste forms. Apply to rash for 1 hour. Rinse with cool water and dry. Apply 3 times per day until rash improves.
- Aloe - Apply gel scooped directly from freshly cut aloe leaves. No need to rinse.
- Cool compresses - Apply cool compresses made with water only or milk directly to rash.
- Calamine lotion - Apply directly to rash to speed drying and reduce itching.
- Soak in an oatmeal bath - Blend approximately 1 cup of any type of oatmeal until fine and sprinkle into bath water, mixing well.
- Apply over the counter creams containing hydrocortisone or menthol for quick relief.
- Pantothenic Acid (or Vitamin B5) - Take 500 mg., 1-2 times daily until rash is gone.
- Soothe rash with natural toothpaste - Natural toothpastes containing clay and peppermint will aid in both itch relief and drying.
- Evening Primrose - The oil in evening primrose stops the inflammatory process and aids in skin cell repair. Take approximately 1500 mg., 4 times daily until clear.
- Make jewelweed ice cubes - Jewelweed plants are remarkably found growing close to the poison ivy they relieve. If plants are not available and you live in a heavily affected area, grow plants from seed and keep on hand. Make ice cubes by taking 2 inch pieces of the plant and mash with a rolling pin. Cover with water and heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until water is reduced by half and is amber in color. Strain and pour into ice trays. Apply ice cubes to affected areas 3 to 4 times daily until rash resolves.
Poison Ivy Prevention
To prevent further occurrences be leery of all potential exposure:
- Avoid contact with pets that may have encountered poison ivy plants. Limit their ability to wander into poison ivy plagued areas.
- Avoid dead plants and brush. The oil can survive for years after the actual plant dies.
- Avoid inhaling smoke or exposure of the skin to smoke from burning brush of plant areas.
- Avoid touching the “leaves of three” entirely. All plant structures (stem, leaves and branches) carry the oil.
- If exposed, immediately take a cold shower. A rash may not develop if the oil is showered off within 10 minutes of exposure.
When To Seek Medical Attention For Poison Ivy
See a doctor if the following symptoms occur:
- The rash is causing sleeplessness and/or extreme discomfort
- The rash is near the mouth, genitals and/or the eye areas
- The rash is affecting the entire body
- There is a cloudy appearance to the weeping fluid
- There is fever
- There is significant swelling.
Your physician may choose to treat further utilizing cortisone and/or antihistamines.
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Sources:
Emedicinehealth.com
