Poison Ivy Relief

Poison ivy rashes are miserable. They itch and look unsightly. Fifteen percent of people are not affected by poison ivy, but that leaves 85 percent of the population who are. Fortunately, there are natural remedies for poison ivy reactions and inflammation.

Poison ivy causes an itchy rash, swelling of the skin, and blisters. The rash is caused by urushiol oil from the plant. The substance is located in all parts of the plant. Even dead plants can cause a rash. Never burn poison ivy, as even the smoke can cause severe inflammation of the lungs.

Poison ivy rashes can be mild to life-threatening. Most people suffer 5 to 12 days. Some people have had anaphylactic reactions to the plant.

Poison ivy rashes aren’t contagious. The watery fluid from broken blisters does not spread the rash; only the oil from the plant can cause the rash.

The best thing to do is wash as soon as possible after exposure with soap and cool water to wash off the urushiol oil from the plant. In some areas where poison ivy grows, a plant called jewelweed also grows. Rubbing the crushed leaves of the jewelweed on the afflicted regions neutralizes the oil.

Wash clothing, any garden tools, and any other items that have touched the poison ivy leaves.

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