Poison Ivy Facts

I had always heard about many natural remedies for curing poison ivy - but never took them seriously. There are so many 'remedies' that you can find on the internet that I automatically believed that it would be a hoax and I would end up wasting both my time and money on it. For example one I found on the internet suggest that I use bleach on the infected skin. Who in their right mind would pour such a dangerous chemical on their exposed skin? Well I suppose there are some out there!

However, I found myself to be wrong. After some research I found that there are a few good home remedies that not only work - but are also much cheaper. And many of them work much the same way that the more expensive kind work - but perhaps better.

One of the most effective and also cheapest cure is Calamine lotion. It helps to relieve the itching. Another effective poison ivy treatment is heat - something that many of us would never have thought of using. Using hot water or air will help to dry out the skin - which will in turn help to speed up the healing process. The top layers of the skin will peel off over time and will help the healthy skin underneath to grow.

An oatmeal bath is usually used for those who have chicken pox and it will help your children that have touched poison ivy for the same reason - the itchiness. Baking soda and warm water will also have the same effect. All you need to do is to combine enough water and baking soda to make a thick paste. When you think it is thick enough smooth it over the infected skin. This will relieve the itching and help to dry out the rash.

The great home remedies help to cure the infected skin and will leave your child happy that you are able to take care of it quickly and with little problems. You will also be happy because you will not have to spend to much money on a product that you didn't need in the first place.

Poison Ivy is 'poisonous' because it can cause us to break out into rashes and itch all over when it touches the exposed skin. The rash it creates is both painful and annoying and must be avoided at all costs - especially by young children. In order to do this you must be able to recognize the poison ivy plant and its many relatives.

The most common thing to remember is the saying that our mothers and grandmothers tell us, "leaves of three let them be". This is true - but it is also important to remember that some plants in the poison ivy plant will look slightly different. Some plant like the Virginia creeper is harmless and will not leave a rash. So you must be able to determine the good from the bad.

A great way to help you is the "black spot" sign. The urushiol - is the poison sap in the ivy - and oxidizes rapidly when it is excreted from the plant and is touched by the air around it. The oxidation causes a darkening so that the initial clear fluid will turn a creamy color , then red-brown, darker red-brown, and then black.

You do have the ability to examine the plant carefully this way only if it has already been damaged and the oxidation process has already been done. You may also look at it if you wear protective gloves to protect your skin. However, we strongly suggest that you teach children the "leaves of three" statement to keep them away from every type of plant from plants like this.

It is important to understand the signs and symptoms caused by the poison ivy plant. If our children have a rash outbreak we want to make sure that we can determine what and where it is from, whether it is contagious, and how to treat it without having to worry about rushing them to the ER. This should only be done if they are experiencing severe symptoms.

Usually the rash will appear one or two days after the skin has come into contact with the poison ivy plant. The first sign you will see are curved lines of itchy, red blisters and bumps. This can continue for several days. It all depends on how much of the resin touches the skin at a given point or time. This will give the illusion that the rash is spreading even though the fluid in the blisters are part of an allergic reaction and contains no bacteria or chemicals.

Poison ivy is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person or from one part of the body to another. Many people believe that animals can carry the poison ivy resin. This is true - but the practical significance is limited. Most people do not get it from their pets - but only from the plants.

There are dozens of creams and lotions that you can use when trying to reduce the swelling and itching rashes caused by the poison ivy plant. But sometimes these creams don't work for all of us. Sometimes it is better to just try natural poison ivy remedies that may be less expensive and more affordable. You may even find that they work more effectively.

Take Vitamin C with bioflavonoid to help prevent the spread of infection. It will also help to reduce the swelling.

Take calcium and beta carotene to help boost the response from your immune system and to speed the healing process.

Taking zinc will help to repair the skin tissue that the poison ivy plant has damaged.

Calamine lotion is a great way to increase the healing process.

Combine 1 tsp of water, 3 tsp of baking soda, oatmeal, cornstarch, or Epson salt. Create a paste and apply it to the infected skin.

Apply aloe vera juice, tofu, or watermelon rind to help soothe the itching and to dry out the skin.