Treatment for poison ivy

[What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?] The almond-shaped leaves range in color from light green (young) to dark green (mature), but turn red, orange or yellow during the fall. Mature leaves are slightly shiny. ... The leaves have a smooth surface with few or no teeth on their edges

• Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are poisonous plants than can cause an itchy rash upon contact.
• A substance called urushiol, found in these plants, causes the rash.
• The rash is not contagious.
• The rash usually disappears in one to three weeks.
• The majority of cases can be treated at home.

What are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac?

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Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac (belonging to the Anacardiaceae family) are plants that can cause a rash if individuals come in contact with the oily resin found in them.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans -- eastern poison ivy/Toxicodendron rydbergii -- western poison ivy) typically grows as a vine or shrub, and it can be found throughout much of North America (except in the desert, Alaska, and Hawaii). It grows in open fields, wooded areas, on the roadside, and along riverbanks. 

It can also be found in urban areas, such as parks or backyards. Poison ivy plants typically have leaf arrangements that are clustered in groups of three leaflets (trifoiate), though this can vary.

 The color and shape of the leaves may also vary depending upon the exact species, the local environment, and the time of year. The plant may have yellow or green flowers, and white to green-yellow berries, depending on the season. Eastern poison ivy typically grows as a hairy ropelike vine, whereas western poison ivy tends to grow as a low shrub.

Picture of poison ivy

Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) grows as a vine or shrub, and it is found in the western United States and British Columbia. It also has a leaf arrangement similar to poison ivy, with clusters of three leaflets. The leaves may sometimes resemble true oak leaves.

Picture of poison oak

Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) grows as a shrub or small tree, and it is found in the eastern/southeastern United States. It grows in very wet areas, and it can be found along the banks of the Mississippi River.

 Each stem contains seven to 13 leaves arranged in pairs. It has the potential to cause a more severe rash than either poison ivy or poison oak.

Picture of poison sumac

Myth #7: Once the eruption occurs, there are a variety of treatments that easily suppress the reaction and can be performed without visiting your physician.

 They vary from applying human urine to the site of the eruption to drenching the skin in gasoline.
Truth: For mild local reactions, it is generally necessary to apply potent topical steroids to the site for two to three weeks.

What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?

Exposure to all of these plants can produce a rash, which is caused by sensitivity to an oily resin found in these plants called urushiol. 

This substance can be found on the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of these plants. Interestingly, it can remain active even after the plant has died. Exposure to even very small amounts of urushiol, amounts less than a grain of table salt, will lead to the development of a rash in 80%-90% of individuals.

The rash (an allergic contact dermatitis) can be caused by direct contact with urushiol by touching the plants or by indirect contact with the plant oil that may have contaminated a pet's fur, tools, clothing, or other surfaces.

 Airborne contact is also possible if these plants are burned and the urushiol particles land on the skin, and it can affect the lungs as well if the urushiol is inhaled. 

In the United States, Toxicodendron dermatitis is the most common cause of contact dermatitis.

Sensitivity to urushiol occurs when individuals come into contact with it. 

The first time a person is exposed, they may not develop a rash. However, with repeated exposure, sensitivity develops that ultimately leads to the development of the characteristic rash. Most people (about 85%) will develop sensitivity, while a small percentage of individuals (about 15%) never develop an allergic reaction to urushiol.

Home , natural remedies for poison ivy
1. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a solvent containing 70 percent isopropyl or absolute alcohol and is used as a topical application. It has disinfectant, soothing and cooling properties that can help get rid of the symptoms of poison ivy. It also sterilizes the affected skin and helps prevent infection.

• Spread rubbing alcohol over the affected area and wrap it with gauze.
• Do this several times a day for two to three days.

If you apply rubbing alcohol immediately after coming in contact with the poisonous plant, it can help slow down and minimize the extent of the rash as well as your discomfort.

2. Banana Peel

Banana peel can also come to your rescue due to its soothing and cooling properties. This remedy is very helpful if you have blisters that have broken open.

Peel the skin off a ripe banana.
• Rub the inside of the peel on the irritated skin area for instant cooling relief.
• Repeat the process two or three times a day. 

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