Poison Ivy - Symptoms & Treatment

Poison ivy is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae . The name is sometimes spelled "Poison-ivy" to indicate with the hyphen that the plant is not a true Ivy or Hedera . Poison ivy is a very common plant having leaves coated with a mixture of chemicals called urushiol .When people get contacted with this chemical,it causes an allergic contact dermatiti. This is a kind of immune system response called T cell-mediated immune response or delayed hypersensitivity in which body's immune system recognize a foreign and attacks which is generally an allergic skin reaction.The result is typically an itching, red rash with bumps or blisters. Poison ivy found in two forms. One form grows low to the ground. It is usually found in groups of many plants and looks like weeds growing from 6 to 30 inches high. The other form is a "hairy" vine that grows up a tree. Both have stems with 3 leaves. You may have heard the old saying, "Leaflets three, let it be." This is because most people are allergic to poison ivy.

Poison ivy is a very common plant found in most parts of the United States. Most people are sensitive to the plants' oily sap. The sap is in the root, stems, leaves and fruit of these plants. If it gets on your skin, it causes a blistering skin rash . The rash can range from mild to severe, depending on how much sap gets on your skin and how sensitive you are to it. Problems can also happen if the plants are burned. Airborne sap-coated soot can get into the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system. The best way to avoid the rash is to learn what the plants look like and stay away from them. If you come into contact with the plants, wash your skin and clothing right away. If you develop a rash, ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines.

Causes of Poison Ivy

Find common causes and risk factors of Poison Ivy :

• Smoke from burning these plants can cause the same reaction.
• Also by touching any gardening tools that may have the plant chemical on it.
• Direct contact with the poison ivy plant.
• By touching any clothing, including shoes, that have come in contact with the plant.

Signs and Symptoms of Poison Ivy

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Blistering.
• Skin irritation.
• Redness.
• Itchy bumps.
• Swelling.
• Severe itching .

Treatment for Poison Ivy

Treatment may include :

• First of all get your skin cleaned by alcohol and then apply some cold water which washes some of the urushiol from the skin.
• Now take a shower with soap and warm water.
• Cover any oozing blisters with a clean gauze bandage soaked in a baking soda and water solution.
• Then wash everything that you have with you like shoes ,tools, and your clothes with rubbing alcohol and water by wearing gloves on your hand.