Poison ivy Treatment

Poison ivy Treatment


If you have blisters and rashes you have definitely been exposed to poison ivy. The poison ivy plant is one of the most dangerous plants outdoors. The reason why people develop the rashes and blisters after being exposed to poison ivy is due to urushiol which is the oil of the poison ivy plant. In addition to Urushiol oil causing discomfort, it can also cause serious damage to internal organs due if the vapors and ashes of the plant are inhaled or eaten. Clearly, the best thing anyone can do is avoid poison ivy altogether or get rid of the plant if you see it in your backyard or surrounding area. However, in the cases where there is accidental exposure to the plant, there are many ways to treat the exposure.



The best way to treat a poison ivy rash and prevent it from spreading is by washing the area with alcohol than with running water. The next step is to take a shower with lots of soap to wash off the urushiol oil and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. This step has to be done approximately ten minutes after exposure to poison ivy. It’s also best to clean all objects and clothing that have been exposed to alcohol. The blisters and rashes ooze, however, the ooze is not responsible for transmitting the rash. Clean all rashes and blisters with water and alcohol. There are several topical creams, lotions, and clothes that help to soothe poison ivy exposure. Try using Zanfel and Calamine lotion to reduce the itching and inflammation.


It’s very easy to treat poison ivy exposure, however, remember that preventing exposure is the best cure. When enjoying the outdoors wear clothes that will protect your bodies such as long-sleeved shirts and tops and jeans. Take time to study what the poison ivy plant looks like and some of the more common areas where it can be found. Also, check the grounds around your home to be sure poison ivy is not growing in your own backyard. 


Poison ivy has reddish hairs on the petiole and the first leaf has a long petiole whereas the others are very short.



There are many lotions available that help to prevent urushiol oil from coming into contact with your skin so uses it before heading outdoors. 

For milder exposures to poison ivy take a cold shower then use treatments such as calamine lotion or steroid creams. For more severe exposures use poison ivy treatments such as steroids in pill form to control the rash and itching. 
A visit to your doctor’s office is not always necessary to treat exposure to poison ivy. Many times the exposure occurs out in areas where medical treatment is not always available. When traveling into areas where you are not sure if poison ivy is prevalent be sure to pack a first aid kit of calamine lotion, steroid creams, gauze, bandages, and alcohol rubs or a small bottle of rubbing alcohol. To prevent exposure to poison ivy wear long-sleeved clothing and pants or jeans instead of shorts.

No comments