subject: Some Important Facts You Should Know About Poison Ivy [print this page] Some Important Facts You Should Know About Poison Ivy
Anacardiaceae is the plant family to which poison Ivy belongs. This is found mainly in the tropical regions. The plant nurtures as vines & shrubs and are found near lakes and brooks. They are present in huddles as yellowish green plant. Identification of this is done through the leaf structures. Leaves are found in groups of three. There is a single leaflet on the end areas of the stalk and the other two leaves are on the sides in each leaf cluster. Each leaf grows up to 8 cm and has jagged ends. The leaves are green in color however becomes red on falling. The fruits of poison ivy also help in its identification. Fruits look like small pumpkins, which are white in color & are akin to grapes in size. Urushiol is the poisonous oil substance present in poison ivy which is responsible for causing rash.
When any person comes in contact with Poison Ivy, the signs do not appear instantaneously. It takes about 24-48 hours to appear. In the beginning rash appears like small scratch on the part of the body, which comes in contact with poison ivy plant. Ruddiness and soreness of skin may also be found. Gradually, this rash progresses to other parts of the body. Rash may be converted into blisters which are often present in a straight line. Itching may be present in these blisters. Little by little, these vesicles and blisters are full with liquid. Gradually, these vesicles and blisters are crammed with fluid. Other symptoms like dizziness, breathing problems, swelling in throat etc. may also be found.
A misconception about the contagious nature of poison ivy is prevalent among the people. People who gets rashes and blisters after coming in contact with poison ivy are not contagious and can not transmit the infection to others. However the plant contains urushiol. Whoever, comes in contact with poison ivy, gets the symptoms.
This poisonous plant affects people who trek. If you happen to come in contact with this, you have to respond appropriately immediately. The affected area should be properly cleaned with the help of an antiseptic lotion. If it is not obtainable, you can still clean the affected area with alcohol. Chafing alcohol will ease the reaction of poison ivy. Oatmeal paste can prove to be very beneficial. This provides relief to itching. Another component, which gives relief, is aloe vera gel. Honey has several curative properties and hence provides instantaneous relief from burning and itching. One of the homemade remedy is using banana peel and it is beneficial. For this, mash 2-3 bananas and apply the peel on the affected areas where itching and rash is present. Also dish washing liquid is effective in this. Dilute the liquid and apply it on the affected area. After some time, wash it with water. Cleanse it with water subsequently. Rinse it with water finally. Also drinking a lot of water and liquids is advisable as this contains Vitamin C & E which prevents dehydration and thus, helps in healing rashes and blisters. Consultation of a physician is essential if the affected person's reaction to poison ivy is severe and uncontrollable to any of the above-mentioned methods. The delay would be fatal if there is a setback in medical treatment.
