Poison ivy, oak and sumac are capable of ruining a beautiful day outdoors. If you come in contact with their toxic leaves, stems and roots, you can experience a terrible itch that lasts 1-3 weeks. While the only way to get rid of the rash completely is time, there are several ways to reduce the pain and itchiness caused by exposure to the poison of these plants. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Acting Immediately
Step 1. Notice if there are bubbles with the vent
What poison ivy causes is an allergic reaction to the oils secreted by the plant. The reaction is redness, swelling and bubbles in the area that has come into contact with the plant.
- If you inhaled smoke from the plant while it burns, you may also have breathing problems. You should take an antihistamine and undergo emergency medical treatment.
- If you suspect that you have come into contact with the plant, collect a sample in a plastic bag to show the doctor. Make sure you wear protective gloves when picking it up. Do not touch the plant directly.
Step 2. Remove and wash your clothes
You should remove them immediately and put them in a plastic bag such as a garbage bag if possible. Wash them separately from any other clothing as soon as possible.
Step 3. Put on some alcohol
You can wet the skin with alcohol to dissolve the oils of the ivy or poison oak. Since the toxic oil from the plant slowly penetrates the skin, putting alcohol on the area can help prevent further spread. It does not provide immediate relief, but it helps to curb the problem. Optionally you can also apply a specific cleanser that does not require a prescription, which you can find at the pharmacy.
Apply alcohol only in a ventilated room, preferably with the window open or with a fan. The fumes of alcohol can cause a sense of dizziness
Step 4. Rinse the area with cold water
Never use warm or hot water, as this will open the pores more and the toxins will spread even more. If you can, try to hold the affected area under cold running water for 10-15 minutes. If you are outdoors in the woods when you expose yourself to the poison of these plants, you can wash the affected area in a stream.
Step 5. Clean the area thoroughly
Regardless of which area of the body is affected, make sure it is washed very well with water. If you touch the affected area of the body, or the poison is on your hands, be sure to brush well under your nails with a toothbrush in case the plant oil has gotten underneath. When finished, discard the toothbrush.
- Use dish soap to remove the oil and rinse the rash area. Since the toxins have transferred to the skin in the form of oil, using a degreasing soap can eliminate traces of oil and reduce the spread of the rash.
- If you use a towel after washing, be sure to wash it immediately after use along with other clothes that have been exposed to the poison.
Step 6. Don't scratch the rash
Even if it's not contagious, you risk breaking the skin and allowing bacteria to enter the wound. Do not touch or squeeze any bubbles that may form, even if they drain liquid. If necessary, carefully trim your nails and cover the affected area to avoid scratching or scratching it.
Step 7. Cool the exposed area
Apply cold or ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not place the ice directly on the skin; Always wrap it in a towel or cloth before application. Also, allow the area to air dry instead of rubbing it with a towel if the rash is wet.
If you need the area to dry faster, it's okay to dab, never scrub
Part 2 of 3: Treating the Itch Caused by Poison
Step 1. Apply a topical cream or lotion
A calamine-based lotion, capsaicin cream, or hydrocortisone ointment can provide some itch relief. However, do not apply it immediately after coming into contact with the plant (as rubbing the lotion could spread the oils), wait at least a couple of hours or a few days from when the itching sensation begins. Capsaicin cream is readily available in drugstores; it is generally indicated for the relief of arthritis pain; it burns a little at first, but is able to suppress the itching for hours.
If you are outside in a warm environment, hydrocortisone cream may not be effective. Try the capsaicin one instead
Step 2. Take antihistamines
They are drugs that treat allergies; Since poison ivy and poison oak cause contact allergic reactions, taking these medications can offer some relief. Generally these medications help to soothe only mild symptoms, but if you take them orally before going to sleep, their anti-itch action combined with the sleepiness they cause, gives you some rest. Make sure you only take them orally and don't apply any creams as this may make the rash worse.
Step 3. Take an oatmeal bath
Use an oatmeal-based cleanser or aluminum acetate solution. If you need a quick fix, without having to go to a store, you can blend 130g of oatmeal in a food processor or blender and add it to a bathtub filled with warm water. However, avoid water that is too hot, especially after being exposed to the poison, because it opens the pores more, facilitating the absorption of the poison.
Step 4. Try an acorn broth
Break some acorns and boil them in water. Then drain them, let the liquid cool, and apply it to the rash with a cotton ball. Although this method has not been studied, it has been shown to reduce the itchy sensations due to the urticaria generated by poison ivy.
Step 5. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that contains a refreshing gel in its leaves. You can take an aloe vera plant, open the leaves and apply the gel directly to the rash; alternatively, use the gel from a commercial product. If you buy it in a store, however, make sure it contains 95% pure aloe vera.
Step 6. Rinse the rash with apple cider vinegar
Among its many medical applications, apple cider vinegar can also be used to speed up the healing process from poison ivy exposure. Use a cotton ball to gently apply it to the affected area or wash the area with a mixture of vinegar and equal parts water.
Step 7. Use baking soda
Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Apply it to the affected area to help drain the liquid in the bubbles. Let the dough dry on the skin until it breaks or flakes. You can reapply it every 2 to 3 hours if you want to get better results.
Keep in mind that baking soda can irritate your skin, especially if it's too sensitive. Best to try this method if you are sure your skin tolerates baking soda
Step 8. Try dairy products
Put buttermilk or yogurt on your skin if you don't have a milk allergy. When you apply these substances to the affected area, the proteins absorb the fluid from the bubbles, facilitating their drainage.
When using yogurt, opt for neutral yogurt with as little additive content as possible
Step 9. Treat the rash with tea
Fill the bathtub with water and add 12 tea bags; chamomile is the most suitable for its anti-inflammatory properties. Soak in your tea bath for 20 minutes to reduce itching and discomfort. You can also brew a very strong tea and dab it on the rash with a cotton ball every 2 to 3 hours.
Step 10. Use chilled fruit peel
Press a watermelon peel or cold banana peel on the rash. The rind of the watermelon acts as a cold compress and the juice helps dry the blister. Banana peel, on the other hand, helps cool the area and soothe the itch.
Step 11. Blot the area with cold coffee
If you have some strong coffee left over, you can dab it on the affected area with a cotton ball. You can also make a new cup, but wait for it to cool in the fridge before applying. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Exposures
Step 1. Learn to recognize poisonous plants
Avoid contact with plants that have the following characteristics:
- Poison ivy it has three glossy green leaves and a red stem. It grows like a vine, typically along the banks or shores of lakes.
- The poison oak it grows like a shrub and has three leaves like poison ivy. It is usually found on the west coast of the United States.
- Poison sumac is a woody shrub with 7 - 13 leaves arranged in pairs. It grows abundantly along the Mississippi River.
Step 2. Bathe your pets if they have been exposed to plants
Animals are not sensitive to the poison of these plants, but if there are any oils left on their fur, they could cause an allergic reaction in those who pet them. Use a pet-specific shampoo and wear rubber gloves when bathing them.
Step 3. Take preventative measures
If you are taking a walk or camping in an area where these poisonous plants are present, always carry bottles of cold water and alcohol with you. If you spray both of them immediately after coming into contact with the poison, you can greatly reduce its spread and pain associated with exposure.
Step 4. Wear appropriate clothing if you are traveling to an area where you think there may be ivy or poison oak
Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks. Be sure to wear closed shoes and always bring a change of clothing in case you accidentally come into contact with the poisonous plant.
Advice
- Do not burn these poisonous plants because you will vaporize the oil which, if inhaled, could cause irritation on the lung tissue and, in extreme cases, a consequent respiratory failure. Either way, it's very dangerous.
- If a child comes into contact with poisonous ivy, oak, or sumac, cut their nails very short to minimize any skin damage they may cause by scratching.
- Don't neglect washing clothes and tools, and remember to bathe your pet. The resin from these poisonous plants can stay on objects for up to 5 years and could consequently cause another allergic reaction when the skin comes into contact with it.
- Spray deodorant spray on your arms and legs before going out. In this way you close the pores and the oil of these plants does not come into contact with the skin.
- Poison ivy and poison oak are related to the mango tree. Those who have been exposed to ivy and oak many times often exhibit similar hives in the hands, corners of the mouth and extremities generally when they come into contact with the mango peel, its sticky sap, or eat the fruit.. If you have also suffered from dermatitis due to the poison of these plants, let someone else collect and prepare the mango for you, so that you can enjoy it without developing an itchy, red hives.
- Eliminate ivy or poison oak from your garden by uprooting small plants and cutting larger ones down to ground level. You can also spray them with a herbicide that contains glyphosate or triclopyr (not recommended). Always wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves when working with these poisonous plants.
- Medicines are available at the pharmacy to be taken by mouth (to be dissolved in water) to drink before any exposure to the poison and which stop the skin reaction. When taken after dermatitis has developed, they control itching and speed healing.
Warnings
- Never burn poisonous ivy, oak or sumac to get rid of them. Resin and wind-blown fumes can cause severe allergic reactions to people who inhale them.
- If urticaria occurs near the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or affects more than ¼ of the body surface, see a doctor. Also, you should get examined even if the rash does not improve within a few days, if it gets worse or does not allow you to sleep. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to relieve itching.
- Call 911 if you have difficulty breathing or severe swelling. If you have been exposed to the smoke generated by these plants as they burn, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
- If you have a fever above 38 ° C, if your urticaria has yellow scabs, you notice pus, and the area is swollen and soft to the touch, you need to see your doctor because you may have an infection.
