What about poison ivy exposure?
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Contributed by: im_yo_pusha
Submitted:
June 10, 2003
What about poison ivy
exposure?
 General Information
Many outdoor
growers go through the dreadful experience of coming in
contact with Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans) is a common plant that grows throughout much
of the US. The toxic chemical produced by the plant is
called urushiol. It is produced in resin ducts of the
leaves, flowers, fruits, and bark of stems and roots.
However, urushiol is not present in the pollen grains.
Urushiol is highly stable and can be spread by without
direct contact, such as by petting your dog which has
came in contact with this plant. It can remain on
clothing and still cause a rash a year after exposure.
Luckily, the resin can be removed with simple soap and
water.
Identification
It can
appear as a ground cover, a shrub, or as a vine growing
up a tree. The leaves are always grouped in threes, is
hairy and smooth and are often irregular in shape. The
leaves can be slightly lobed, and are a dark waxy green,
above, and light, fuzzier beneath.
Blistering
Poison Ivy is usually
not severe but some cases result in a trip to the
Emergency Room. Most people who react to poison ivy do
so within one to two days. Contact with this plant leads
to skin inflammation, or dermatitis. However, some
people will react more quickly, which can be a medical
emergency, especially if the face and eyes are affected.
One can react to poison ivy at any age.
Treatment
A visit to the doctors is
always recommended but if you feel your case is not
severe, there are over the counter products that will
treat Poison Ivy, Oral antihistamines can help the
itching, but the antihistamine lotions wont. Aluminum
acetate (Burow's solution) is recommended for topical
use to sooth the itching. An Aveeno oatmeal bath is also
shown to help stop itching.
Do not use anesthetic sprays as they may actually
make your rash more annoying.
"Zanfel" poison ivy cream is said to work very well
for 40 dollars a tube.
calamine lotions are ineffective for treatment.
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| Last modified: 03:59 - Jul 08,
2003 |
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