Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a type of plant that results in skin rash when touched. The leaf of the plant contains an oil called urushiol. This oil is also present in other poisonous plant life. Urushiol has a tendency to bind to anything that makes contact with it. It can also adhere to the clothing of a person and hence can spread to others as well. Poison ivy rash is therefore known to spread rapidly among groups of people. Poison ivy causes a rash because of a reaction of the skin. This rah is also known as contact dermatitis. This is a contagious condition and can also be quite painful when the rash first starts developing. When the skin makes contact with the poisonous oil, the binding agents contained in the oil react and alter the structure of the protein membranes of the skin cells. The body’s immune system then attacks these altered cells thinking them to be foreign agents. The resulting effect is a painful skin rash.

Poison ivy symptoms depend on how much skin has been exposed to the oil and the strength of the individual’s immune system. The amount of oil that the skin was exposed to is also an important factor. The most common symptoms include itching, swelling, redness, inflammation and blistering of the skin. Direct contact with the plant leaf can increase the severity of the symptoms. The rash may not develop immediately after contact with the oil. In most cases, poison ivy rash appears a day or two after the contact. The rash may persist for up to 2 to 3 days depending upon the severity of the reaction and surface area of affected skin. Mild cases of poison ivy rash may be treated at home, while more severe cases may require medical treatment. When contact with poison ivy occurs, it is important to cleanse the area thoroughly with water and soap so that traces of oil are removed from the skin. If done within 15 minutes of exposure, the infection can be greatly reduced. Cold compresses are an excellent poison ivy remedy. Apply a cold pack several times each day for about 15 minutes. This will help to prevent blistering. Aloe vera gel is also a good poison ivy treatment, and is known to soothe poison ivy rash and ease itching. Another poison ivy cure that is known to be effective is banana peel. Rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area for instant relief.