Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy

Where Is Poison Ivy Found?

Poison Ivy is a native shrub of North America. It grows in most of the Canadian Provinces and all the US states except Alaska, California and Hawaii. It can usually be found in wooded areas around the perimeters or rocky exposed areas. In Mexico it can be found in mountainous areas.

Poison Ivy produces an alkaloid to use as a protection against foraging animals. This alkaloid known as urushiol is a skin irritant that is harmful to humans who come into direct contact with it.

What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?

Poison ivy is identified by its yellow flowers and white berries which are small, smooth and clustered. The leaves in young Poison Ivyare a reddish brown and come in various shapes and textures (thin, hairy, hairless, dull, shiny, toothed, not toothed). It grows as a shrub in clusters and can reach up to 1.2 metres tall.

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Poison Ivy Symptoms

Poison Ivy Rash

A Red rash apprears which takes about a fortnight to clear up This rash doesn’t spread by contamination from the sores but by the poisonous sap. This rash may not appear until a week or so which can make diagnosis difficult. Some people develop the full blown rash whilst in others it may appear gradually and even look like a scratch or a bite at the onset. In the case of as severe reaction a visit to your physician is advisable..

Poison Ivy Blisters

Red blisters that often run in straight lines or streaks from the point of contact, These blisters (which in severe cases may ooze) are caused by the affected blood vessels developing gaps that leak fluid through to the skin.

Severe Itching

Severe Itching is a major symptom of coming into contact with Poison Ivy. This itching will not cause the rash to spread even if the blisters ooze as a result. The rash will appear only on the areas where the poison has been in direct contact. Itching may however cause the blisters to become infected.

If you come into direct contact with Poison Ivy, in the first instance apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area then rinse with water. This should be followed by further washing with soap and water.

Calamine Lotion or Burrow’s Solution has in the past been used to ease the discomfort and itching caused by Poison Ivy,although sometimes they treatments are ineffective. In severe cases where the blisters ooze clear fluids, corticosteroids may be prescribed. Home Remedies For Poison Ivy

Dermatologist now look for natural remedies to ease the symptoms of Poison Ivy. Baking soda baths, oatmeal and banana peel are among the home remedies for Poison Ivy detailed below.

Jewelweed is also seen as an effective treatment the relief of Poison Ivy. Jewelweed is a common plant that grows in clusters in shaded areas in moist soil. Jewelweed is recognised by its orange and yellow flowers that hang suspended from tiny stems and the luminous appearance of the leaves. Crush the soft stem and rub onto the affected area to relief or prevent the symptoms of Poison Ivy.

Baking soda can also be used to relief Poison Ivy symptoms. Mix to a thick paste in the ratio 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply to the rash and leave to dry. Alternatively add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a warm bath for overall relief.

Of course there may be many more home remedies for Poison Ivy but as always prevention is better than cure. try carrying a small bottle of rubbing alchohol with you when you go to areas where you may encounter poison Ivy so that you can start your treatmeny immediately should you come into direct contact with this nasty shrub.

Rapid redness or unusually high swelling may occur in those who suffer an allergic reaction to Poison Ivy. In this instance do not attempt any home remedies but consult your physician immediately.

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