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poison ivy and plant allergies
Poison Ivy & Plant Allergies Treatment |
Poison Ivy & Plant Allergies TreatmentMember of the Anacardiaceae family, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a sub shrub with a very wide distribution.
Found commonly in wooded areas, the plant is found in abundance in North America. It is also found in exposed rocky areas, open fields and disturbed areas. People who go hiking or who often work in the garden would have faced frequent encounters with this not-so-gentle plant.
Contact with the root, leaves or the stems of the plant results in the formation of red, itchy scratch, often accompanied with blisters. It is the oil in the sap of the plant, urushiol, which triggers this allergic reaction. It is the same chemical which is responsible for the allergic reactions of poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and poison sumac (toxicodendron vernix), members of the same family.
The symptoms start appearing within few hours or in rare instances it could take even few days.
However, the rash appears within 48 hours of the contact and the spread of infection varies from person to person. These rashes are often accompanied by blisters which eventually break open, ooze and then gradually crust over. Raised or flat red blotches, intense itching are other symptoms of poison ivy exposure.
Learning few poison ivy tips could come a long way in preventing the spread of the exposure.
Avoid the usage of topical creams that come with benzocaine, zirconium or antihistamines. These components have a tendency to worsen the infection. The better alternative will be the good old calamine lotion.
Placing a cool damp cloth on the exposed area could help in reducing the itching and oozing. On discovering exposure to poison ivy, make sure that you take lukewarm baths with 1/2 cup of cornstarch and/or baking soda. Remember, the water must be lukewarm, not hot! You can also try covering the blisters with a piece of gauze dipped in baking soda and water.
The best precautionary measure is to prevent exposure to the plants. But if your work demands frequent hiking or activities in the garden, the best way will be to identify the plant. The plant is commonly found in moist areas. The edges of the leaves are smooth and contain tiny ‘teeth’. The color of the plant alternates based on the season. It is reddish in the spring, green in summer and red, orange or yellow in fall. Make sure that you wash the garden tools regularly, also wear long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves when working around poison ivy. |
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