Top

How to Treat and Control a Poison Ivy Rash

November 5, 2009


Poison ivy is a plant which is found commonly across the United States of America and in some parts of Canada. When a person comes in contact with this particular plant it causes severe irritation to the skin which results in a rash and even causes blistering of the skin.

This phenomenon is commonly termed as contact dermatitis. The symptoms of contact dermatitis which are caused due to the skin coming in contact with poison ivy could take a minimum of three weeks to completely disappear. There are few things that you could do to help yourself cope with this situation. Contact dermatitis is very frustrating and could also be very painful. It is therefore advisable to visit a doctor incase the symptoms are very severe and unbearable.

If you realize that you have exposed yourself to poison ivy then the first thing that you should try and do is have a good wash or a bath and try and get the offending oil off your body. The poison ivy plant secretes an oil which clings to the skin. This oil causes the skin irritation. In some cases if you are able to wash the oil off you might even be able to avoid developing the rash caused due to it. Most often we realize that we have been exposed to poison ivy only when we notice an itching sensation. Even in these cases washing yourself thoroughly would help reduce the rash and shorten the time your skin would require to heal fully.

If your skin is itching then you could help soothe the itching by using compresses which are cold and wet. Take frequent baths to help avoid scratching your skin. Add oatmeal or even baking soda to a cold bath and soak in it for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. The oatmeal or baking soda helps to relieve the itching sensation. You could also make a paste of Epsom salts or baking soda and apply it to the affected area to help soothe the itching sensation.

Calamine lotion or a lotion containing alcohol and zinc acetate would be helpful to dry out the blisters and speed up the healing process. Remember not to cover your self up. Leave your skin open to air as this will help to get rid it faster.


Comments

Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.





What's More today?

How To Help Your Dry Scalp When It Itches

It is mostly during winter that most people complain of dryness and itching sensation on the skin. If... 

How Does Exercise Help Children Do Better In School

Yes, it is perfectly right. Exercise does help children to do better in academics and school. It  has... 

Best Ways to Maintain Your Slim Figure

There are a million people around the globe that are engaged in the battle of the bulge almost daily.... 

Tricks that Help to Get Rid of a Nasal Voice

A nasal voice is not the most appealing tones to hear. This becomes an issue when you are talking over... 

Health Benefits and Nutritional Quotient of Cloves

As a child I wondered why my mother used dark colored pieces of wood and stone like substances in our... 

What Do You Gain When You Drink Coconut Water Daily

Break open a tough coconut and you will get some deliciously healthy water. Coconuts are commonly used... 

Tell Me About The Various Aspects of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is very easily treatable when it is detected in the early stages. An early aggressive... 

How to Decrease Appetite in Order to Loose Weight and Be Fit

We are all after our ideal weight. It is a goal that most of us try to attain and try for as long as... 

How to Take Care of Hands

Your hands; like your feet are tortured all day long. If your feet are responsible for taking on the... 

How Can Food Help A Person With Arthritis

A person with arthritis may benefit a lot by taking a suitable diet along with the medications. It is... 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Age And Cures

Rheumatoid Arthritis has been known for a long time and there is a general feeling that it affects only... 

Are there any Benefits to Eating Beef?

Beef is the meat of domesticated cattle like cows. It is generally known as red meat and is used commonly... 

How Can Breast Cancer Patients Lead A Normal Life

Most people who are affected by breast cancer think it is the end of the world and that they have to... 

How Does Exercise Help In Getting Over Diabetes

Many people are of the opinion that popping in a pill or taking a shot of insulin along with a sugar... 

Easy Remedies to Lower Blood Cholesterol Count Naturally

Increase in the levels of blood cholesterol leads to an increased risk of heart diseases like attacks,... 

Bottom