So, you went on a picnic and decided to go for a nice long walk in the woods. You have great fun. The kids had great fun. But, none of you are having fun any more. You are too busy scratching. You were all allergic to poison ivy, just like seven out of every ten people in the United States. What is poison ivy and what do you do about it?
Poison ivy is a vine that grows through the United States and is known for its distinctive three leaves, each having its own stem. It normally grows along the edges of woodland areas where it gets needed sunshine.
The plant produces a resin, called urushiol, which causes extreme dermatitis when exposed to one’s skin. Within a few minutes to a few days after exposure, the affected area will produce small clear …show more content…
Break off some of its leaves, crush them and apply them as a poultice to the affected area. Plantain has been used for many years in treating poison ivy and many other complaints. It contains the chemical, allantoin, that is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Another common plant that you can use if jewelweed. It often grown near poison ivy and has yellow or orange flowers shaped like trumpets. Crush the leaves and stems and apply the juice to the affected areas.
Be careful with your pets, also. If they have been outside playing in an area where poison ivy grows, they can get the resin on their fur. Petting them can transfer the resin from their fur to you.
Other treatments include vinegar compresses, cold milk compresses, bathing in Epson salts, dabbing on witch hazel, or applying a wet teabag to the affected area.
If you know that you have an allergy to poison ivy, there are certain measures you can take to prevent exposure. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Learn what poison ivy looks like and avoid it. Learn what the plants are that can be used to treat it and how to use them. One serious warning is to avoid any brush fire in which poison ivy plants may be burning. The resin can become airborne in the fire. If you breathe it in, it can cause very serious lung problems. With a little prevention and a little knowledge, everyone can enjoy another picnic in the
Poison ivy is a vine that grows through the United States and is known for its distinctive three leaves, each having its own stem. It normally grows along the edges of woodland areas where it gets needed sunshine.
The plant produces a resin, called urushiol, which causes extreme dermatitis when exposed to one’s skin. Within a few minutes to a few days after exposure, the affected area will produce small clear …show more content…
Break off some of its leaves, crush them and apply them as a poultice to the affected area. Plantain has been used for many years in treating poison ivy and many other complaints. It contains the chemical, allantoin, that is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Another common plant that you can use if jewelweed. It often grown near poison ivy and has yellow or orange flowers shaped like trumpets. Crush the leaves and stems and apply the juice to the affected areas.
Be careful with your pets, also. If they have been outside playing in an area where poison ivy grows, they can get the resin on their fur. Petting them can transfer the resin from their fur to you.
Other treatments include vinegar compresses, cold milk compresses, bathing in Epson salts, dabbing on witch hazel, or applying a wet teabag to the affected area.
If you know that you have an allergy to poison ivy, there are certain measures you can take to prevent exposure. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Learn what poison ivy looks like and avoid it. Learn what the plants are that can be used to treat it and how to use them. One serious warning is to avoid any brush fire in which poison ivy plants may be burning. The resin can become airborne in the fire. If you breathe it in, it can cause very serious lung problems. With a little prevention and a little knowledge, everyone can enjoy another picnic in the