A woody vine that is in the sumac family and the Anacardiaceae family is what many know as poison ivy. This plant is among the most common human allergy for those in the United States, having more than half of all Americans being affected.
Many think that to rub or scratch the irritation from the poison ivy plant will make it spread to other areas, and this is completely incorrect. There is only one way to spread the rash, and that is to spread the oil called urushiol that is on the plant. Once a person has come into contact with the plant it is best to wash the area so there is no oil residue to spread. If blisters from because of the rash, breaking blisters can cause infection and scarring, but will not cause the rash to spread at all.
The cures that seem to work the best are those that eradicate urushiol, the oil that covers the leaves of the ivy that causes the allergic reaction and rash. Some people think they are immune to the ivy rash and this is untrue also. For many first time sufferers, it can take up to 10 days for the rash to appear and the more times exposure takes place the more likely you will have a rash.
Some of the symptoms include red raised rashes or flat red welts where the poison ivy contact occurred. After appearing, the rash will be accompanied by an itch that will be around until the rash is gone. There are many different solutions available that are made to deal with this kind of problem.
A product called Rhuli gel is offered by Band Aid, and is helpful drying out the blisters that will be present in the red areas, which deals with the itch. This product is available through department stores and drug stores in the first aid or health and beauty aisles.
Yet another itch relief product is Ivy Dry, that can be found in creams and liquids which helps to deal with the incessant itching. If a visit to the doctor is required, a common prescription is prednisone. This corticosteroid helps to suppress the immune system so that the reddened areas of rash do not itch.
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.
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