Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a three-leafed plant that grows as a vine or shrub practically everywhere in the United States. The plant, however, can take on a different appearance depending on the environment. Poison ivy causes an allergic reaction in about 10 to 15 million Americans every year. (This is dedicated to my Dad, who seems to get poison ivy every summer.)

Symptoms

The rashes from poison ivy and poison oak are very similar. Each is an itchy, red, often raised rash that results from exposure to an oil called urushiol, which is found in the sap, stem, leaves and roots of the plant. (Not everyone is allergic to this oil.)

Urushiol can stick to the fur of animals, clothing and tools, and unless washed off can continue to be a source of reinfection. The rash, which begins as redness and swelling, usually appears within 12 to 48 hours. Itchy blisters soon follow. It usually takes approximately 10 to 14 days for the rash to heal.

Treatment

If you know exposure has occurred, wash all exposed areas with cold, running water and soap. If this is done within 5 minutes, the water will neutralize the urushiol.

Wash all exposed clothing and camping, gardening and fishing gear. The urushiol can remain active for months, causing reinfection.

Avoid scratching the blisters. Scratching does not spread the rash, but fingernail bacteria can cause infection.

Cool compresses or baths help to ease itching.

Hydrocortisone cream is available OTC at drug stores and may help to decrease itching. Calamine lotion or aloe vera gel may help dry the rash and decrease the itch.

See your health-care provider in the case of severe reactions, or if sensitive areas like the face or genitals are involved.



Common Myths About Poison Ivy...

Scratching the rash will cause it to spread. FALSE. (But avoid scratching to prevent infection.)

Poison ivy is contagious. FALSE. Poison ivy can only be transmitted by urushiol.

Once allergic, always allergic. FALSE. A person's sensitivity changes over time.

Dead plants are not toxic. FALSE. Urushiol may be toxic for years.