Cures for Poision Ivy

You know the saying, "leaves of three, let it be". Poison ivy, recognized by its three shiny leaves with hints of red, causes pain and suffering to many people. The plant, which is very common in the eastern United States, contains a resin called urushiol that can cause a painful and intensely itchy rash on many people. Unfortunately, because poison ivy is often mixed in with other plants and blends in very easily, it is sometimes difficult to identify. Once you do develop the rash, there are lots of ways to ease the pain and suffering.

Prevention

• The best remedy is always prevention. When in the woods or anywhere that may harbor the plant, wear high boots and long pants. Check your yard for signs of poison ivy. Remove them yourself or have a professional remove it. If you choose to do it on your own, all of your skin must be covered. It is also a good idea to wear goggles, head covering and a breathing mask. Use manual trimmers to cut them down to the ground, removing the roots if you can. Electric trimming or pulling the plant can disperse the resin into the air. Properly bag the plants in thick plastic garbage bags. Don't ever burn poison ivy because the particles can enter your lungs. If you have realized that you have come into contact with poison ivy, the most effective thing you can do is take a shower with soap and water. This must be done right away. After ten minutes, only fifty percent of the resin can be removed. Any clothing that has been in contact with the poison ivy should be immediately washed or disposed of.

Medications

• Poison ivy cannot be immediately cured, but there are things you can do to ease the symptoms until it goes away on its own. Cortisone creams can be applied to the area and work best before the blisters appear. Using a cool compress or a compress of Burrow's solution actually help to dry out the blisters, helping them to heal faster. Severe cases of poison ivy are often treated with a prescription steroid medication, like prednisone. Patients must be careful to take the entire regimen of medicine though, because stopping the steroids too early could cause the rash to come back. There are also plenty of over the counter medications like Johnson & Johnson Anti-Itch Gel, which can ease the itch and help dry out the blisters.

Home Remedies

• There are plenty of home remedies and natural solutions to dealing with the pain of poison ivy. While they are not well researched for their effectiveness, many people swear by them. The most common home remedy is a bath in oatmeal. Many people swear by taking a bath in baking soda or making a paste out of baking soda and vinegar to apply to the rash. People will try almost anything to get rid of the itch, including bleach, ammonia and other household cleaners. Keep in mind that these substances can be irritating to the skin.