Home Remedies For Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a poisonous shrub that grows in most of the Canadian Provinces and all the US states except Alaska, California and Hawaii. It is usually found in wooded areas around the perimeters or rocky exposed areas. In Mexico it can be found in mountainous areas. Poison ivy grows as a shrub in clusters and can reach up to 1.2 metres tall and is easily 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).

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. The reaction to Poison Ivy may not be immediate. Sometimes the symptoms don't appear until a week or so later.This makes it hard to detect especially in children.

A major symptom of coming into contact with Poison Ivy is severe itching. This itching doesn't cause the rash to spread even if the blisters ooze or become infected. The rash will appear only on the areas where the urushiol has been in direct contact with the skin. 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.

The inflammation will turn into non-coloured bumps on the skin and then into red blisters that often run in straight lines or streaks from the point of contact, These blisters are caused by the affected blood vessels developing gaps that leak fluid through to the skin. If you come into direct contact with Poison Ivy at the first opportunity 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, although sometimes they are ineffective. In severe cases where the blisters ooze clear fluids, corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Dermatologist often look for natural remedies to ease the symptoms of Poison Ivy. Rapid redness or unusually high swellings are symptomatic of an allergic reaction to Poison. If this occurs consult your physician immediately and do not attempt any home remedies.

A poplar home remedy for Poison Ivy. Is oatmeal.Simply Mix the oat meal with water and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Allow to thicken and cool down before applying a thick layer to the affected areas. Leave to dry and then apply additional layers. For extra relief from itching and oozing add a tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture.

Baking soda mixed to a thick paste in the ratio 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water can also be used to relief Poison Ivy symptoms. Apply to the rash and leave to dry.

White vinegar and apple cider vinegar appear to draw out the poison and give relief to Poison Ivy symptoms. when applied directly onto the rash and blisters

Of course prevention is always better than cure so if you are going into areas where Poison Ivy is likely to be found remain vigilant. Carry a small bottle of rubbing alcohol with you for immediate treatment, then wash off with any water. Do not use water alone as this may cause the poison to spread.

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By Steph Pemberton 
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