Stopping the Unstoppable: The Itch of the Poison Ivy Articles | Remedy

Each year Poison Ivy affects thousands of people in the United States. Surprisingly enough it usually accounts for about 10% of the work time in the job world as well. Poison Ivy is caused by the sap of the Poison Oak, Poison Ivy or the Poison Sumac plants. These plants grow in abundance throughout the United States. A skin irritant known as Urushiol is a skin irritant which is usually found in the sap contained in these plants. This is what causes the itching that results in dermatitis. The reactions can range from the simple moderate itching to an emergency situation in which case swelling may occur.

If a person is exposed to poison ivy, the person should take the time out to wash their clothes as well as bedding, tools as well as pets that may have come into contact with the same plant. Failure to do this may result in you being re-infected after you have been cured. If you feel the itching can’t be tolerated you should simply run very hot water over the skin. Though this make the skin get worse before it gets better, the truth is that it has to be done. As soon as the blistering has occurred you should cover it with a sterile gauze that guards her from infection. Anti-histamines such as Benadryl which is an over-the-counter medication can also help against the itching.

After doing these things, if you still find the itch bothersome you can apply some home remedies instead. Bathing in water that is at room temperature which is mixed with ½ cup baking soda can be used as well. This is much similar to an oatmeal bath but it is substantially cheaper and you’ll be using items that you already have. Baking soda also helps to draw out the Urushiol from the skin. Baking soda paste can be made as well and placed on the rash too. When the paste becomes hard, you can simply wash it off. You can then combine vinegar along with baking soda in order to form a paste mixture. You can then scrub the paste on the rash and use a washcloth and rub hard too.

Other remedies include other kitchen items as well. If you rub banana skins on the rash you can get long term relief. Warm vinegar can then be applied on these blisters about thrice or four times daily. This can be followed up with calamine lotion later at night as another treatment. Cooked oatmeal can then be applied to the rash until it has hardened and then buttermilk should be dabbed lightly on the affected area in order to help as well. One more remedy is the Desitin diaper rash ointment which can be used too.

Because poison ivy has its poison in an oil base, you can shower with a detergent that attacks and breaks down oil (such as Dawn and Joy ). The oil can then be released from your skin. When this is applied within the first twenty minutes of infection, it is highly effective.

Some other remedies include Windex treatments such as Pine Sol and Clorox treatments as well. People who have sensitive skin should be very careful about any treatments they use as they may worsen the situation. If you feel uncomfortable about using any of these home treatments, you can always call your doctor for help instead. If you stop by the pharmacy and ask for an over-the-counter treatment option you can easily get assistance as well.

Poison Ivy rashes will usually occur at a period that is between 24- 48 hours after you have had contact with the plant. 15% of poison ivy cases will result in the person getting an allergic reaction as well as a breakout rash and a swelling in about 4-12 hours. When this happens you shouldn’t tray any home remedies. Make sure that you visit a hospital as soon as you can in order to get the swelling as reduced as possible. This can usually be done with a simple shot of corticosteroids.