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Posts Tagged ‘poison ivy’

At one time or another, we have all either been effected or have known someone effected by a Poison Ivy plant. These plants, along with the Poison Oak plants are very toxic and can cause, what many have called, a rash and the worse itching in the world. To this end, before heading out exploring unknown areas, especially wooded areas, one may want to know what each of the plants look like. To this end, it is good to buy a guidebook or check out a book at the local library specifically related to flora and fauna. However if one is allergic, one needs to avoid all contact with such plants and notify their medical provider if infected.

Regardless, if one has a severe allergic reaction or merely an outbreak of itching and a rash, neither are fun. However, if one knows the best home remedies and natural treatments, then one can at least heal somewhat faster than those who are unaware of the effect simple homemade baths and rubs can have over this reaction. There are many household items individuals have accessible daily in many cases which are never used for such treatment.

Although there are a variety of home remedies known to help those suffering from poison ivy, the best ones by far include a combination of baking soda and oatmeal whether made into a bath or a spread which one can apply to their body every few hours to control itching and to prevent one from scratching the break out to avoid infection. To make the spread, simply mix warm water, baking soda and oatmeal, keeping it thick as possible while blending, then applying the mixture all over the body. However, not everyone can always stay home and as this is a treatment that one can not do while wearing business clothes or sportswear, it is only one way to control the itching in this regard. Another way is through an baking soda oatmeal bath, simply add generous amounts of both baking and soap and oatmeal to the bath, this will control the itching for a few hours at a time. Therefore, this method has been proven to be one of the most effective home remedies to date.

Prevention as always is key in avoiding interaction with both poison ivy and poison oak. However, if one does become effected one can choose from a variety of creams and gels on the market or use the baking soda oatmeal bath and spread method. For all are going to alleviate itching to some extent, however the home remedies to appear to make the rash and the itching go away more quickly overall.

When traveling, one wants to be especially careful in areas one may not be familiar with at the time. Any time one sees a large number of twisting vines and shiny leaves, one wants to be very careful before touching these plants. These plants, mostly prevalent along creed beds and lake sides can also be found as close as the yard of a home one where one resides. Also, with regards to poison oak, there are small red patches within the leaves unlike poison ivy which as stated, looks like an ivy plant, only with smaller shiny green leaves. Therefore, as there are a number of public events and festivals which draw individuals from around the world, it is good to know what both poison ivy and poison oak look like. To this end, both can cause an extreme outbreak with a rash and severe itching, though most poison oak is found in the cooler climates whereas more poison ivy is generally found in warmer climates. However, both can be found anywhere due to cross population. One also wants to be very careful when either removing this plant by wearing thick gloves, or from having a reaction from rubbing up against, sitting down on or walking through these plants which are especially thick in wooded areas. To this end, a number of floral and fauna guidebooks have become available over the years.

Today, several guidebooks on the topic of flora and fauna are available at both local bookstores and libraries. These guides help individual identify thousands of species of plants. Therefore, these guides can not only be helpful in preventing a case of poison ivy but also in the since of survival should one become lost in the woods. For, with one of these guides, one can also determine which other plants may provide liquid, which may be edible and which are toxic. Having such information available can save not one oneself but others from accidentally eating toxic plants which can result in death if one is not cautious when eating flowers or plants which grow wild all around the world.

While there are several different authors and titles for these guidebooks, one can simply choose the one which they most relate to. However, the books with pictures, a full description and toxicity labeling are preferred by many hikers and enthusiast. This is because when one can see what the plant is, how it effects the body and whether or not it is toxic are important facts with regards to avoiding any plants that are toxic in nature along with the poison ivy and poison oak plants.

To this end, regardless of the baths and scrubs, one can also use soaps oriented toward preventing outbreaks and clearing away any elements one may have contracted from the Poison Ivy or Poison Oak plant. Therefore, if going into a wooded areas, clearing these plants from the yard or going to an event in area with which one is unaware, it is good to have baking soda, oatmeal and these soaps as part of a first aid kit. Thereby allowing one to have the best time possible without paying the price for it with an irritating rash once back at home. So, whichever one decides they may wish to use, always having these household ingredients and soap on hand, can allow one the opportunity to shower as quick as possible and to return home from a walk in the woods, having finished yard work or vacation refreshed, relaxed and renewed.

When you go camping it’s important that you know some poison ivy treatment cures that can help bring down pain. You will see that there are tons of different types of cure for poison ivy.

Poison Ivy is a vine that is usually found growing up trees in the woods. The vine looks raggy or hairy and from the vine grows leaves in clusters of three almond shaped leaves. These leaves are light to dark green and do not contain any thorns. They are usually smooth and shiny and turn red in the fall. The leaves produce an oil called urushiol which, if touched, can cause a nasty rash.

This rash is the most aggravating rash known to man. It itches and hurts at the same time. It can spread all over the body and even creep into the body through any orifice that it can get into including the eyes, nose and genitals. When it does this it is a very serious problem and immediate professional help should be sought.

A rash on the skin is red and irritated and can have little bumps that may turn into blisters. These blisters can break open and a liquid can come forth. Although it is unlikely that the rash will spread by scratching the blisters it can cause another infection that will hurt even worse. It is advised that the individual avoid itching to the point of putting on some gloves to stop themselves. The reason you get a rash is because you are allergic to the oil. Not all people are allergic it and can stand in a patch of the plant without having any affect. Do not take the chance if you do not know if you are allergic or not.

The blisters can break and a fluid will be released so it is important not to scratch. The fluid can get under the finger nails and be taken other places on the body and start a secondary infection. Rashes start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and can last from 1 to 4 weeks.

You do not have to touch poison ivy to get a rash. If the plant is burned and the smoke inhaled it is possible for it to affect the lungs and this could cause death in some cases. If a pet brushes against it and you touch the pet it can be transferred to you. Touching dead poison ivy leaves can infect you because the urushiol can last for several years after the vine dies.

If you are pulling weeds and all of a sudden you see a poison ivy leaf swiftness is essential. Go quickly within 10 minutes and clean whatever part of the body you think touched the leaf with rubbing alcohol. Take the hose and hose down the area and always use cold water because warm or hot water will allow the harmful oil to spread. Never get in a bathtub of cold water because you will spread the oil to other parts of your body. Just rinse off the areas that were touched.

Get disposable gloves on your hands and take off your shoes and your clothing. Hop into the shower and wash yourself down with grease repelling dish washing soap. Avoid the type that has lotion and do not use regular soap. Once you are done put more gloves on and wash down your shoes and clothing that you were wearing with a combination of alcohol and water. If you would rather throw the clothing away you can but do not put it in a washer without wiping it down. This could spread the oil to the rest of the family through their clothing.

If you get a rash carefully rub steroid cream to stop the itch and take an oral antihistamine. You can get into the bathtub with luke warm water in which is dissolved about three tablespoons of baking soda. An old remedy is to make a batch of oatmeal using Old Fashion Oats. Cool it and spread it on to the affected area and let it dry. This will prevent air from getting to the rash and it will feel better. Eventually the oatmeal will flake and fall off and make a mess all over the house so once it dries you can loosely wrap the area with gauze.

Other remedies include vinegar because tends to draw the oil from the skin so dab some on to the affected area. This will hurt at first but it is worth it in the end. Spreading honey on the rash and covering with gauze might be messy but it works. It is said that peeling a banana and putting the inside part of the peel against the rash will stop the itch and cool the inflammation. The best remedy for poison ivy is prevention. Stay away from it if you see it and if you notice that you have touched it take preventative measures immediately. If the rash is severe and excessive swelling occurs do not wait, go directly to the hospital.

Get the details and information you need to get a cure for poison ivy fast and easy! When you need a poison ivy treatment that will give you immediate relief, you can find it today!