Did you know that you can only get a rash from poison ivy if you are allergic to it? Not all people are – but for those who react, the itchy rash that results can be a real problem.

The reason for the nasty rash is the oil urishiol. It’s found on poison oak and sumac, as well as poison ivy.

These plants grow almost anywhere (except for desert areas or high elevations) – but you are most likely to encounter them by accident in treed areas where there is a lot of ground cover.

The most important thing to do if you have come into contact with poison ivy is to wash the oil off with soap and water! If you can catch it quickly enough (before it absorbs into the skin), you can actually prevent the rash.

However, urishiol oil absorbs very quickly. By 10 minutes, you will only be able to wash off 50 per cent of the urishiol oil. Within 30 minutes, you’ll only get 10 per cent. After an hour, you’ve actually absorbed the oil and washing is no longer effective to prevent or reduce symptoms.

The oil can be easily spread from one part to another. Be sure to keep your hands away from your face or other parts of your body, if you have touched the oil (or area of poison ivy contact).

Once you’ve got the rash, it can last for as long as 2 to 3 weeks. It will have to run its course. However, you can treat for itching and to help the healing process. If your rash is wet and blistering, try a more astringent product like Domboro to dry it out. If your rash is mild or the blistering is done, consider anti-itching creams like calamine or topical Benadryl. You can also get a topical steroid cream.

Cool baths with soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal can help you weather the storm and relieve some of the itching.

If you’ve got a severe case of poison ivy, see a doctor!

Source: EmaxHealth