If you see a vine growing up a tree inspect it a little better before touching it. Poison ivy grows on vines that look a bit hairy. There are always three leaves clustered together that are almond shaped and dark to light green. The leaves do not have thorns but may have a serrated edge. The leaves are usually very shiny and they will turn red in the fall and fall off the vine. These leaves contain urushiol which is an oil that can make a grown man or woman cry.
The oil of this plant can cause a rash that rivals no other. It causes an itch that never stops and it also hurts. Without attention this oil can spread everywhere and even invade the inside of the body through the nose, eyes, mouth and genitals. If this happens to you do not wait to try any home remedies. Just get to an emergency room immediately as the condition could turn fatal.
A rash on the skin is red and irritated and can have little bumps that may turn into blisters. These blisters can break open and a liquid can come forth. Although it is unlikely that the rash will spread by scratching the blisters it can cause another infection that will hurt even worse. It is advised that the individual avoid itching to the point of putting on some gloves to stop themselves. The reason you get a rash is because you are allergic to the oil. Not all people are allergic it and can stand in a patch of the plant without having any affect. Do not take the chance if you do not know if you are allergic or not.
Blisters that break open release a fluid so it is very important not to scratch the rash. Breaking open those blisters can start another infection that makes it hard to get rid of. The rash will appear after about 12 to 48 hours of touching the plant and it usually lasts anywhere from 1 and up to 4 weeks.
Unfortunately poison ivy can be spread in other ways besides touching it. If you burn the plant, even if it is dead, you risk getting a rash on the lungs while breathing in the smoke which can be fatal. If a pet or any livestock touches the plant and you touch the animal soon after you can get it because the oil will live on the fir of the animal for several hours. If you are cleaning up dead vines be aware that the oil can live for up to 2 years.
If you see that you have touched a leaf of the ivy you need to spring into action. It is essential for you to wash the area touched with rubbing alcohol within 10 minutes of touching it. Once you use alcohol rinse the area down with water from the hose or with cold water inside the house and never use hot water because it will allow the oil to spread out. Also do not immerse yourself in a bath because the oil that remains on the body will spread all over. Rinsing is the most effective way to get rid of it.
Get disposable gloves on your hands and take off your shoes and your clothing. Hop into the shower and wash yourself down with grease repelling dish washing soap. Avoid the type that has lotion and do not use regular soap. Once you are done put more gloves on and wash down your shoes and clothing that you were wearing with a combination of alcohol and water. If you would rather throw the clothing away you can but do not put it in a washer without wiping it down. This could spread the oil to the rest of the family through their clothing.
Calamine lotion has been the traditional treatment for the condition but you can also use steroid cream or take an oral antihistamine. Some doctors will administer steroids orally or with an injection. Try a cool bath with three tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in the water. A great old remedy is to make some Old Fashion Oatmeal and let it cool. Spread it on the area and let it dry. If it starts to flake or fall off secure it with some gauze bandages.
Another remedy is to dab on a little bit of vinegar to the rash. This will really sting but once the area dries you will have some relief for a few hours. Peel a banana then put the part of the peel that touched the banana next to the rash. This will cool it down and give you relief. The best way not to get poison ivy is to not go near the plant and if you find you have inadvertently touched it move quick to rinse it off with the above instructions. Should the rash become severe and swell you will need to get to a hospital immediately. Do not waste time by trying any remedies.
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