Top Ten Things to Know About Poison Ivy
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1. Poison Ivy may not appear in “leaves of three”: Most poison ivy and oak have three leaves, but there are varieties that are vine-like and are more difficult to recognize. Poison sumac can causes the same rash and has 7 to 13 leaves on a branch.
2 Uroshiol oil exposure should be removed in the first hour to avoid risk of a breakout: It is the uroshiol oil in the leaves that causes the rash and the oil is very difficult to remove. As soon as you know you have been exposed, use cool running water to rinse off the oil. After rinsing, use a degreasing soap or alcohol to again, remove any remaining oil in the contacted area. Use paper towels, thrown carefully away, to not re-contaminate your skin.
3. Uroshiol oil can live for 5 years on surfaces: Wash or throw away everything that has been exposed to poison ivy, even your shoe lashes! You must wear disposable gloves while washing the items. Garden tools, bottoms of shoes and sports equipment must be cleaned with alcohol, a degreasing soap such as Dawn or water and bleach. Pets must be bathed.
4. If you miss the first hour of removal, there are products that still may help: Removing oil from the skin may be accomplished using one of the products below. Follow the directions listed in terms of frequency of use and how long to leave on the skin.
Technu at http://www.teclabsinc.com/
Zanfel at http://www.zanfel.com/help/
Cortaid Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit
Burts's Bees Poison Ivy Soap
Ivarest Medicated Itch Cream
Ivy Stat
(source: pediatrics.about.com)
5. Hot showers may relieve scratching. Some sources say to use cool showers or compresses while other state that the hot water can temporarily put a stop to severe itching. Try both to see! Other common remedies used are calamine lotion, topical steroids and oral or topical benadryl.
6. A poison ivy rash is not contagious to others, nor can it spread from blister opening and weeping fluid on surrounding skin. Remember, it is the oil that causes the reaction. New areas that breakout a few days after exposure are from skin contact in less sensitive areas, not from scratching.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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