Poison ivy is a very nasty plant which grows only in the United States and west of the Rockey mountains. The plant is coated in a oil like substance that causes very severe allergic skin reactions in about eighty-five percent of people. The reaction may be red itchy skin but can develop into welts, blisters and oozing sores on the allergic population.
Other noxious plants are also found in the USA which cause similar reactions. West of the rockies, you will find poison oak. In the wet bogs of the southeastern quarter of the States, you find Poison Sumac. Each of the plants have a coating of urushiol, the oil like substance that clings to the skin and causes the reaction.
The allergy to these plants is one that can become worse with repeated exposure. In fact, the first outbreak of the reaction often take five or more days from contact to development of the rash. A second exposure can cause a reaction in one to two days. In persons with severe reactions, exposure may cause anaphylaxis. Even persons who do not think they are allergic to the plants should avoid contact as their bodies could become sensitive to the plant at any time. Burning these plants can cause severe respiratory reactions in some people who inhale the fumes.
Contrary to popular belief, the rash cannot be passed from one person to another. In addition, the fluids that ooze from the weeping allergic reaction do not cause the rash to spread. The later reactions are due to the urushiol was initially in contact with the skin.
If you will be in an area where these plants grow, take precautions to protect yourself from a reaction. Heavy work clothing should cover your body. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. A special lotion applied before exposure can prevent the chemical from affecting your skin. Any clothing that has come in contact with the plants should be careful washed in the hottest water available with detergent. You should shower as soon as possible after exposure.
Most of the time you can deal with the allergy using home remedies such as cold showers and calamine lotion. Antihistamines are also helpful In cases where there is extreme swelling of the face or neck, seek a doctor’s care. The doctor can give a shot to stop the swelling.
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that can cause severe allergic skin reactions in humans. If you will be in areas where these plants are know to be present you should take precautions to avoid exposure. If at all possible avoid contact with these plants to prevent reactions.
Poison ivy is not easy to deal with, so if you get it, you will be looking for a cure for poison ivy. We can give you a poison ivy cure now and stop those symptoms.
