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Poison ivy causes misery for thousands of people each year. Its sticky resin causes symptoms such as swelling, a red itchy rash, blisters and oozing which may appear as soon as a few hours after exposure to as long as two weeks later. The more sensitive someone is to poison ivy, the sooner the symptoms will appear. And if they have had a reaction to poison ivy before, they will be even more sensitive to it the next time they are exposed. It is important for these people to avoid the plant carefully.
Poison ivy usually appears on the body in the areas where the skin is the thinnest. The arms, the legs (especially the shins), and the face are affected most often. The rash will break out in a straight line of blisters that itch intensely, or in patches of red, bumpy skin. About five days later, the blisters crack open and release a watery discharge. It takes at least a week to two weeks for the irritation to heal. Most people can treat themselves at home, with no need to see a doctor.
Here are some things to do if you have been exposed to poison ivy:
1. Wash the exposed area as quickly as you can. If you don't have quick access to a shower, a water hose will do. You want to remove as much of the resin as possible, as soon as possible. Sometimes thorough washing is enough to prevent the rash from developing.
2. Change clothes and wash the clothing as soon as you can. Any sticky resin on the clothing will remain until the items are washed. Simply coming into contact with the resin can cause irritation. Any items that can't be washed should be isolated and stored in a well ventilated area for at least three weeks. This includes shoes and boots.
3. If you do develop a rash, you can help relieve the itching by sponging the affected areas with alcohol, applying a paste of baking soda, using calamine lotion, or soaking in a tub of warm water with a handful of baking soda thrown in.
4. Take an antihistamine like Benadryl. This will help the itching and the swelling. If the itching becomes unbearable, ask your physician to recommend something.
Some people are highly allergic to poison ivy and experience extreme reactions. In severe cases, the person's eyes may swell shut, they may develop a fever and intense pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, and have difficulty breathing. If any these symptoms occur, it is important to seek a doctor's help immediately. An infection this severe will have to be treated with an antibiotic.
A poison ivy irritation is extremely uncomfortable and far too easy to develop, but you don't have to be a victim. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're in an area infested with poison ivy:
Learn what the plant looks like and avoid it! An old expression goes like this: ‘Leaves of three, let it be!' The plant's appearance varies in different areas of the country. Find out what the species in your area looks like and memorize its appearance.
When walking in wooded areas, wear long sleeves and gloves. Tuck pants legs into boots or socks. Don't wear shorts or sleeveless shirts!
Don't let your dogs or cats run loose through the area. Poison ivy resin will stick to their fur and you can come into contact with it simply by petting the animals. Bathe your pets as soon as possible if you think they've been near poison ivy.
Don't burn the poison ivy plants. This may sound like strange advice, but the oil from the plants can be inhaled through the smoke and cause lung irritation.
And don't be fooled into thinking that you are immune to poison ivy. Just because you've never been affected before is no guarantee that the next time you come in contact with it you won't break out into itchy blisters. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from this potent plant.
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