Poison Ivy Treatment

Poison ivy is a shrub type plant that is widely spread and is found in almost all parts of the Earth. This tree is predominantly found in eastern United States. The scientific name of poison ivy is Toxicodendron radicans, and it belongs to the plant family Anacardiaceae, which is cashew family. The classification of poison ivy is as given below.

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Division - Magnoliophyta
• Class - Magnoliopsida
• Subclass - Rosidae
• Order - Sapindales
• Family - Anacardiaceae
• Genus - Toxicodendron

Many of the plants of this family create a chemical called urushiol, which is an irritant. This irritant causes skin problems by forming red rashes, bumps and also causes too much of discomfort. This skin allergy caused due to poison ivy is called Rhus dermatitis. Not every person develops skin rashes with this irritant, because some are immune to this chemical. However, some people face very harmful skin irritations due to urushiol. The effect of the urushiol depends on the time of exposure of the skin to it. If it is washed away soon after exposure, the consequences will not be that serious. Other trees that also produce urushiol are poison oak and poison sumac. The chemical gets absorbed in the body within three minutes after exposure. The skin rashes develop soon after a day or two of the exposure to urushiol. These rashes remain for at least three weeks and they become worse, if they spread on different parts of the body. The rash spreads because urushiol is absorbed in the body in to a high extent. But before going through some useful information about poison ivy treatment, let's learn about the symptoms of poison ivy rashes. They are as follows:

• Swelling in the affected area
• Itchy rashes
• Red colored bumps
• Blisters with fluid inside them

Treatment for Poison Ivy

Treatment, if given soon after the exposure to urushiol, can help get rid of the rashes soon. The treatment for poison ivy can be given at home and usually does not require medical treatment. However, the home treatments for poison ivy only help to reduce the pain or irritation and do not cure the rashes soon.

Few steps need to be followed soon after the exposure to urushiol. Clean the exposed area, by rubbing alcohol. Wash the affected area with water. Later, bathe with lukewarm water and soap. Then, with the help of gloves, clean all the outfits that were worn during the contact with the tree. If these steps are followed soon after the exposure, it will check the spread of urushiol to other parts of your body. The chances of developing rashes reduce, when these steps are followed.

When the rashes due to poison ivy are severe, one may need to take medical help. There are a few creams called corticosteroid creams, that relieve the itching irritation and reduce rashes. Antihistamine tablets are also used to decrease the itchiness. Few antibiotics are recommended, when the affected skin is infected initially. Oral corticosteroid tablets that work similar to corticosteroid creams are also used sometimes. Before using any of these medications, one should always consult a doctor.

Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy

There are plenty of natural remedies that can be used as treatment for poison ivy rash. They are as listed below.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be used as scrub, while bathing. All you have to do is boil oatmeal and leave it for sometime to cool down. Then, apply the paste to the affected area in the form a thick coat. Keep the paste on, until it dries and wash it off later. Sometimes, baking soda and cornstarch is added to oatmeal. This is considered as one of the best treatments.

Aloe Vera Gel
It is the best healer for skin allergies. Aloe vera gel not only soothes the rash, but also helps in healing it. Applying aloe vera gel gives cooling relief to the affected area.

Banana Peel
This home remedy is said to be the best cure for poison ivy itchiness. Rub the banana peel gently on the affected area, and you will get a cool feeling.

Jewelweed
Surprisingly, the best natural remedy for poison ivy, grows near it. Jewelweed is a thick plant filled with sap. The liquid extracted from its leaves and stem is very useful. Break a branch and prepare a mixture of its sap and water. Boil the mixture for at least 10-15 minutes and once it cools down, apply it to the affected area.

Calamine Lotion
This is the most popular method for relieving the itching of poison ivy that gives quick relief. Apply the solution to the affected area and it will leave a powder-like form when it dries.

Honey, baking soda, vinegar, watermelon and potato are some other home remedies for poison ivy rashes.

Prevention is always better, when it comes to poison ivy. Learn how the tree looks like and try to avoid contact with it. Try to wear clothes that will cover your whole body, when you are walking in a lush green, bushy area. Immediate treatment can help you get rid of the severe rashes. Poison ivy tree is commonly found in United States and every year, almost 50% of Americans suffer from these rashes. Now that you've read through the information about poison ivy treatment and can identify the plant, you will be better equipped to deal with poison ivy.