Poison Ivy Determination And Ways To Allow The Itch And Pain To Cease

If you see a vine growing up a tree inspect it a little better before touching it. Poison ivy grows on vines that look a bit hairy. There are always three leaves clustered together that are almond shaped and dark to light green. The leaves do not have thorns but may have a serrated edge. The leaves are usually very shiny and they will turn red in the fall and fall off the vine. These leaves contain urushiol which is an oil that can make a grown man or woman cry.

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.

When the rash appears on the legs or arms it is usually red and inflamed, bumps can appear and then blisters rise. For generations pink Calamine lotion has been applied to control the pain and itch. People that get the rash have an allergy to the oil in poison ivy called urushiol and there are those lucky people that do not seem to be affected by touching poison ivy.

Blisters that break open release a fluid so it is very important not to scratch the rash. Breaking open those blisters can start another infection that makes it hard to get rid of. The rash will appear after about 12 to 48 hours of touching the plant and it usually lasts anywhere from 1 and up to 4 weeks.

Poison Ivy does not have to be touched to get a rash. Never burn the plant either dead or alive because the oil travels through the air in the smoke and if it is inhaled it can get into the lungs and be fatal. A dog that runs in poison ivy can give it to its owner just by having them pet him while the oil is still on his fur. Be careful when cleaning dead vines from your yard ad poison ivy can harbor the harmful oil for almost 2 years after the vine has died.

If you see that you have touched a leaf of the ivy you need to spring into action. It is essential for you to wash the area touched with rubbing alcohol within 10 minutes of touching it. Once you use alcohol rinse the area down with water from the hose or with cold water inside the house and never use hot water because it will allow the oil to spread out. Also do not immerse yourself in a bath because the oil that remains on the body will spread all over. Rinsing is the most effective way to get rid of it.

Put gloves on and go inside and remove clothing and shoes. Get in the shower and wash with soap but not regular soap. Use dish washing liquid but only the kind that repels grease, not the kind with lotion in it. When you are done make sure to don gloves again and wipe everything you had on your body down and any tools you may have used with rubbing alcohol and water. The oil can stay on clothing and it will infect you next time you put them on or if you put them in the washing machine it can spread the oil to other clothes.

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.

Another remedy is to dab on a little bit of vinegar to the rash. This will really sting but once the area dries you will have some relief for a few hours. Peel a banana then put the part of the peel that touched the banana next to the rash. This will cool it down and give you relief. The best way not to get poison ivy is to not go near the plant and if you find you have inadvertently touched it move quick to rinse it off with the above instructions. Should the rash become severe and swell you will need to get to a hospital immediately. Do not waste time by trying any remedies.

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