Almost everyone is familiar with poison ivy. This seemingly harmless plant is found all over the world. Contact with it can elicit mild to severe reactions that will vary from person to person. This is a huge problem with individuals who love to spend time outdoors. It is worth your time to become familiar with the basics of this plant.

Poison ivy is one member of a large group of plants known as Sumachs. These poisonous plants are popular for the common allergic reaction it produces in those who have come into physical contact with it. Inside this plant is a clear liquid called urushiol. This liquid is the culprit responsible for the troublesome reactions that most people experience.

You will find this pest all over North America, Asia, and Europe. It takes on multiple appearances and often resembles other plants, making is especially difficult to identify and avoid. It can be found as a trailing vine, a small bush approximately 2 foot high, or as a climbing vine that will grow up trees or other vertical structures.

The symptoms of this plant are very common, with most people experiencing them from time to time. Some individuals are immune to the plant and experience no reactions at all. This process usually begins with red, inflamed skin that soon becomes itchy. In time, obvious blisters will form. Some people experience a fever. Less common symptoms include dizziness, the swelling of the throat, and difficulty breathing.

This very common allergy is hard to avoid, especially if you spend time in wooded areas. The only real way of preventing it is to avoid the plant all together, which can be difficult to do. It can help to become familiar with the appearance of it, which will help you to identify it and avoid contact. If you have been exposed, wash your clothes in hot water and immediately take a shower, washing the body well.

Treatment for this issue can usually be done in the home. For dryness and itching, apply a wet compress or soak the affected area in cool water. There are also various antihistamine pills and lotions that can bring relief. Also important is to try and avoid scratching the blisters as much as possible.

It should come as no surprise that most people are familiar with poison ivy. Many people have either developed the problem themselves or have known someone who has. It can be a chronic issue with people who live near woods or spend time outdoors. Although it is easy to catch and hard to avoid, the symptoms are usually mild and will recede in a short while.

We have some great poison ivy remedies. Are you searching for a cure for poison ivy? We know how complicated it can be and we are here to help you.

Tags: family, garden, gardening, home, medication, medicine, plants, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, rashes, skin

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