You and your friends are out on a hike or playing some rugby, soccer or cricket outside. You do not watch your step and fall into a bush. The next moment you are itching and getting a rash ... you were in contact with Poison Ivy.
But did you know that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain the same rash-causing substance? It's called urushiol (pronounced: yoo-ROO-shee-ol), a colorless, odorless oil (called resin) contained in the leaves of the plants.
The urushiol causes an allergic reaction and you will experience a rash and even swelling of the areas that came in contact with the plant.
Some people (very few) do not show any reaction when they come in contact with urushiol but most people will experience the symptoms within a few hours, but it can also occur after a few days.
The rash that you will get will be red and form blisters which will heal in a few days and the rash will disappear in a week or two.
It is not always necessary to go to the doctor, especially if you know what is causing your rash, but if you have a rash which you are not sure about and have a fever, it is better to go to the doctor.
If the doctor determines that the rash is caused by Poison Ivy, he will give you some pills or lotion to help with the itching and swelling.
In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe pills or creams that contain antihistamines or steroids (not the same type of steroids that bodybuilders use!) to decrease itching and redness.
Have a look at the video to see how you can help yourself or a friend
It can be difficult to avoid Poison Ivy, since they can grow anywhere, even between your plants in your garden. The colour of the plant also changes with the seasons and can be difficult to identify.
Another problem is that you can be 'infected' by the urushiol from the plant even without touching the plant itself. The oil can be passed on to you from the fur of your pet or can be in the air if someone is burning the plants.
If it is at all possible, make sure of the following to try and prevent contact with this plant
- make sure you know what the plant looks like, that you can avoid it or take it out of your garden (obviously you need to wear gloves if you plan on taking it out)
- if you cannot avoid an area where they grow, wear long sleeved shirts if you go on a hike
- if your dog has been playing in an area where you know there are Poison Ivy, bath him when he comes home, to get rid of the urushiol oil on his fur
If you are out in your garden and you come in contact with Poison Ivy, take a warm shower as soon as you can and wash yourself thoroughly with soap. If you are too late too remove the urushiol from your skin you will have to find alternative remedies to help with the itching and swelling.
