Poison Ivy

Definition

It is a very common plant having leaves coated with a mixture of chemicals called urushiol. When people get contacted with this chemical, it causes an allergic contact dermatiti. This is a kind of immune system response called T cell-mediated immune response or delayed hypersensitivity in which body's immune system recognize a foreign and attacks which is generally an allergic skin reaction. The result is typically an itching, red rash with bumps or blisters.

It is not really a poison. Not everyone reacts to urushiol. Poison Ivy found in two forms. Low plant: It is usually found in groups of many plants and looks like weeds growing from 6 to 30 inches high. Hairy vine: That grows up a tree. Each form has stems with 3 leaves. There is a common old saying, Leaflets three, let it be. This is because most people are allergic to poison ivy.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy

The possible symptoms for poison ivy are as:-

• Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Headache and general feeling of discomfort are common .
• The reaction may vary from mild to severe. Hospitalization is sometimes required.
• The first symptom include a red rash and extreme itching.
• Small bumps or larger raised areas.
• There may be fever after the allergic reaction from the plant.
• Swelling of your throat and eyes and there may be overall swelling of your body
• The rash erupts in streaks or patches at the points where the plant touched the skin.
• Blisters filled with fluid that sometimes leaks out. On rare occasions, some people will develop blood-filled blisters that sometimes turn black and become shiny dark spots. In severe cases, oozing sores develop .

Causes of Poison Ivy

Causes of Poison Ivy such as includes:

• Smoke from burning these plants can cause the same reaction.
• Touching any outdoor pets that have been around poison ivy and have gotten the oil on their hair.
• Direct contact with the poison ivy plant
• By touching any clothing, including shoes, that have come in contact with the plant.
• Also by touching any gardening tools that may have the plant chemical on it.

Treatment of Poison Ivy

Treatments for poison ivy are as:-

• Cover any oozing blisters with a clean gauze bandage soaked in a baking soda and water solution.
• If necessary, use a very strong mixture of salt water. Wait until warm and then put onto affected areas to help dry it up.Do not do this on face.
• First of all get your skin cleaned by alcohol and then apply some cold water which washes some of the urushiol from the skin.
• Now take a shower with soap and warm water.
• Then wash everything that you have with you like shoes ,tools, and your clothes with rubbing alcohol and water by wearing gloves on your hand.