How to Identify And Treat Poison Ivy

Probably most of us remember that rhyme from childhood, leaves of three let them be!

Poison ivy actually comes in three different types, but something that they all have in common is the three compound leaves.

Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol, which is an allergen that causes a rash. For some people this rash can be quite severe, others may not be effected at all. This article will show you how to identify and treat poison ivy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   boxelder and poison ivy

   Wash the area:
   If you believe that you may have come into contact with poison ivy, the first thing that you should do is to wash the area with soap and cool water. The sooner you do this after exposure the best.

2. Treat the rash:
   The rash(allergic contact dermatitis)can appear anytime from a few hours or even a few days after exposure. The typical poison ivy treatment is cool showers and cool compresses applied to the rash as well as an antihistamine such as benadryl to help with the itch. Calmine lotion applied to the rash can also be helpful.

3. Use a poison ivy remedy:
   For a good natural cure for poison ivy try some jewelweed. The juice from the jewelweed has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans as a poison ivy cure. Works quickly to reduce the itch and help clear up the rash (allergic contact dermatitis).

4. Seek medical attention:
   People who are highly allergic to poison ivy should always seek medical care after exposure. Serious symptoms of poison ivy may include weeping sores and swelling of the face, eyelids and genitals.

Tips & Warnings

• Poison ivy can be found as a ground cover, a shrub and a vine.

Resources

• Poison Ivy Jewelweed Soap

[Butterfli]

on 7/10/2009 Very good advice! Thanks! 5*

[ezyas123]

on 7/9/2009 Great article on How to Identify And Treat Poison Ivy.