Poison ivy is a vine that has vivid green leaves, that is closely related to sumac and is in the family Anacardiaceae. This is the most common American allergy, with over fifty percent of the citizens being affected.

Many people think that rubbing or scratching the irritation from poison ivy will cause it to spread, but this is incorrect. The only way to spread the rash is to spread the urushiol oil, so it is best to wash the area well once a rash is seen and then there is no oil residue remaining. If a blister forms due to the rash, you can break the blisters but this can cause infection to set up and scarring as well. But the blisters bursting will not cause the rash to spread.

There are some cures that work better than others, and the most effective are those that get rid of the urushiol oil on the leaves of the plant that cause the reaction. Some believe they are immune to the plant and this is very untrue. For people who have never had the problem before, it can take as long as a week or more to see the rash on the skin. The more times a person is exposed to the plant, the more prevalent chances are you will get a rash.

Symptoms of the condition are a simple red raised rash in the area where contact with the poison ivy was made. After the rash appears, severe itching will be present until the rash is relieved. There are many topical solutions on the market that are made specifically to deal with this type of rash.

Rhuli gel made by Band Aid is made for drying out the blisters that can occur with the reddened area and helping to demolish the itch that is associated with it. This can be found at many drug stores and larger department stores in the health and beauty aisle.

Another product used for this type of problem is Ivy Dry. It can be found in cream or liquid forms, and gets rid of the itch as well. Some people will go visit a doctor, where prednisone is given often. It is a corticosteroid that helps to keep the immune system from responding to the oil and causes the itching to be relieved.

Some doctors will ask that you take a warm Epsom salt bath to quell the itch. Following with calamine lotion on the area will help to finish the itch. Within a couple of days the problem will cease and the itch will be completely gone.

You are looking for that perfect poison ivy cure, aren’t you? We have a poison ivy remedy that many individuals wish they knew about – you should look at it.

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

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