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Poison ivy is considered the most common allergy in the United States. Urusiol, the oil in the poison ivy plant, is actually what causes the allergic reaction. Different people have different sensitivity levels towards urusiol. Some have a mild reaction, while others are more serious and require a doctor’s care or worse.
In order for one to experience a reaction to poison ivy, one must come in direct contact with the urusiol. This means one must always wash thoroughly and change clothes when working, hiking or gardening in areas where poison ivy is prevalent. If any urusiol is left on the skin, it can be spread to other body parts and to other people. The rash itself isn’t contagious, however. As long as all the urusiol is washed away, there’s no danger of spreading. Keep in mind that one should wear gloves and protective clothing when handling even dead or dying poison ivy as the urusiol can stay active for years.
There are many remedies and treatment for the reaction caused by poison ivy exposure. Before rushing out to the pharmacy, see if any of these home remedies will help:
Preventative maintenance: If you’re going to be working around poison ivy, dress appropriately. Wear heavy pants, a long-sleeved shirt and heavy work gloves. Remove clothing upon entering the home. Go directly to the shower and wash with soap and water to remove any oil that may have touched the skin. Soaps touted for grease fighting work best at removing the poison ivy oils from the skin.
Oatmeal and baking soda: Make a thick paste with oatmeal (cooked) and baking soda and apply to the affected area. Leave on and let dry. Baking soda, especially, is said to draw out the urusiol and relieve the itch. Other baking soda remedies include soaking in a baking soda bath or making a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the offending area. One can also use a paste of only oatmeal much in the same manner.
Watermelon rind – Soothe the affected area with the inside of a watermelon rind.
Vinegar – Dabbing vinegar directly onto the rash with a cotton ball should soothe the itch. Also, try making a paste of baking soda and vinegar and applying that as well.
Dish detergent – grease fighting dish detergent is rumored to remove the urusiol oils from the skin. Lather up good in the shower and rinse off.
Banana Peels - Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area will help to relieve the rash.
Milk – Soak a gauze rag in milk and apply it directly to the area for a soothing effect.
For severe rashes, something more potent may be in order. Calamine lotion may help relieve the itch, or your pharmacist should be able to suggest something stronger such as Zanfil. If an over-the-counter medication doesn’t work, visit your physician who may recommend a steroid treatment.
When it comes to poison ivy, the sooner you react, the better. Cover up if you’ll be working around poison ivy. Wash clothes and yourself immediately upon completion. In this case, an ounce of prevention is definitely what you’re aiming for.
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