Poison Ivy Rashes

Poison Ivy Rashes basically all look alike; however some people develop large blisters while others do not. Honestly, these Poison Ivy Rashes are pretty gross and can make a person absolutely miserable. The Poison Ivy Rashes are caused from being in contact with the urushiol oil that is present on the poison ivy leaves, plant and the roots.

There is technically not a Cure for Poison Ivy; we really mean Relief from the Poison Ivy symptoms. Poison Ivy is not a disease or anything that is contagious; it is simply an allergic reaction to the urushiol oil from the Poison Ivy plant. Once the Poison Ivy Symptoms begin, relief is the only remedy we seek. Poison Ivy symptoms are red itchy bumps that itches intensely and gets inflamed on your skin.

Brenda_H_poisonivy_testimonial_before_3sm There are several over the counter home remedies to treat Poison Ivy Rashes; however most of them give minimal relief. Calamine lotion is one of the known remedies.

People respond differently to the Poison Reaction; some have a severe Poison Ivy Rash reactions that require a visit to the doctor to get a shot. For some people, the reaction can become so severe, there is swelling, burning, pain and intense itching with blisters.

There are two ways Poison Ivy Rashes appear on your skin; the first way is by having direct contact with the poison ivy plant and the second way is by breathing the smoke from someone burning the plant. Breathing the smoke can case very serious allergic reactions and many people need to be hospitalized because the reaction is so intense in your lungs.

To prevent Poison Ivy Rashes from becoming intense, you can do a few things listed below:

Rub the affected site with rubbing alcohol. If you are able to remove the urushiol oil with about 10 minutes, you may be spared of the allergic reaction.
Rinse with cool water right away.
Wash the site with warm soapy water.
Jump in the shower and soap yourself all over.
Put on gloves, then wipe down all your belongs that may have been in contact with the poison ivy urushiol oil with alcohol.
Wash your pet. Remember the urushiol oil could be on his fur and this is the perfect way to get your entire family infected with the urushiol oil.

mary-before Some people ask, so what makes poison ivy so poisonous. It’s the urushiol oil that comes from the leaves, plant and roots; the sap runs throughout the plant. Urushiol causes highly allergic reactions to a persons skin. What makes matters worse, is you don’t have to have direct contact with the urushiol oil; for example if your dog runs through some of the poison ivy plant, then you rub your dog with your hand, you could come in contact with the urushiol sap and develop Poison Ivy Rashes from just that! Or if someone else was working in the yard and they were wearing gloves; then you came along later and picked the gloves up…. Yes, you could get Poison Ivy Rashes.

Scratching Poison Ivy Rashes does not cause the rash to spread; nor will you get Poison Ivy Rashes by touching someone else. Once the Poison Ivy Rashes are present, the damage has been done.

More Resources:

Poison Ivy Wiki

Poison Ivy Rash Mayo

Poison Ivy Studies – UMMC

Get Rid of Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy Contagious

Poison Ivy Remedy