How does poison ivy manage to trigger this response in unsuspecting humans? It’s a defense mechanism that the plant developed to protect itself. Poison ivy produces an allergic oil that, when brushed against or touched, causes a bad case of contact dermatitis. The red, itchy blisters that accompany exposure to poison ivy can take anywhere from two to 10 days to show up. Two other common poisonous plants—poison oak and poison sumac—can cause a similar allergic reaction. For a sensitive few, even seemingly “friendly” plants like tomato leaves, marigolds, and poinsettias can trigger allergic dermatitis.
If you find yourself suffering from an allergic reaction to a plant such as poison ivy, try these home remedies to get relief from the burning and itching caused by the rash:
- Apply cold compresses with colloidal oatmeal added to the affected skin
- Make a paste from baking soda and apply to areas that are itchy
- Use aloe vera juice to cool the skin
- Try taking an Epsom salt bath
Poison ivy can be unpleasant and dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about poison ivy:
- It’s not contagious so you don’t have to keep you or whoever is nearby in a self-imposed quarantine.
- Once you’ve had poison ivy, you’re more likely to get it again, as you have now developed a full-blown allergy to it.
- It’s estimated that 65% of all Americans are allergic to poison ivy.
- You can’t really get a rash from breathing the air around a poison ivy plant. That means it’s safe to walk by any plants because you can’t inhale the toxin that’s released in the oil.
To prevent a run-in with poison ivy, wear long sleeves and pants to keep skin protected from accidentally touching any leaves. If the weather is too hot for this type of clothing, make sure you stick to pathways and avoid wading through areas of brush and forest seedlings. Heed warnings on trails that tell of potential poison ivy colonies. You can also make sure you wear gloves when gardening if you live in an area known to have poison ivy growing.
After being outside, use soap and water to wash any part of your skin that may have been exposed to poison ivy. Washing immediately after coming in contact with a plant can remove most of the poisonous plant oil. After 15 minutes, only half the oil will wash off. Waiting an hour will mean that none of the poisonous oil can be washed off –your skin will have absorbed it.
If you have trouble breathing, experience a rash that covers most of your body, or you notice lots of swelling (particularly if an eyelid is swollen shut), go to the hospital as soon as possible and get medical care.
Source(s) for Today’s Article:
“Busting myths about poison ivy, from the Harvard Health Letter,” Harvard Health Publications web site, May 2013; www.health.harvard.edu, last accessed June 24, 2013.
“Poison Ivy: Tips for Treating and Preventing,” The American Academy of Dermatology website; www.aad.org, last accessed June 23, 2013.