Poison ivy plants contain a substance known as urushiol which is present in the resin. Urushiol is an oil which leads to a rash when it touches the skin. The infection caused by contact with poison ivy can range from mild to severe. The main symptoms of such an infection include itching, redness and blisters on the skin. The rash caused by poison ivy is not contagious because the oil is not present in the affected areas of skin. A rash is most likely to occur when the stem, roots or leaves of the poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak are touched directly. Rash could also result if urushiol rubs onto the skin. Even contact with items that have been exposed to contact with urushiol could lead to a skin rash. In many cases, poison ivy rash also develops due to inhalation of smoke emanating from burned poison ivy plants. Natural cures for poison ivy skin rash are effective in alleviating the infection. Here is some more information on poison ivy and treatment for contact with the plant.
Scratching the rash caused by poison ivy may lead to further complications such as bacterial infections. This can also lead to pus formation in the blisters. In such cases, antibiotic treatment may become necessary. Poison ivy natural remedies involve the use of simple ingredients that are usually available at home. Oatmeal is known to be beneficial in relieving poison ivy skin rash. Apply a paste of boiled oatmeal to the affected areas and leave it on until it dries. A small amount of baking soda or cornstarch may also be added to oatmeal. One of the most common natural remedies for poison ivy is aloe vera gel. Application of the gel on affected areas of skin helps to soothe itching and inflammation. You may also rub the peel of a banana over the affected area for a cooling effect. The plant jewelweed is another natural remedy for poison ivy rash. Extract the sap from a branch of the plant and mix with some water. Boil this mixture and then apply to the skin when it cools down.
Treatments for poison ivy also include adding Epsom salts to bath water. You may also apply a paste of Epsom salt on the affected area. You can prevent contact with poison ivy by covering the body properly when venturing into areas when the plant is found.
answered by G R