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Posts Tagged ‘rashes’

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!