1. The rash is caused by urushiol oil
Around 80 percent of the world population is defenseless to the urushiol oil contained in poison ivy plants. Contact with this oil makes skin break out in a red, rough, itchy rash. Regardless of whether you haven’t had a rash before, new exposures can provoke an allergic reaction. Actually, repeated exposures increase the odds of susceptibility.
That is the reason it’s essential to clean up with a poison ivy cleanser immediately after possible exposure to the plant. These soaps separate the urushiol so you can promptly wash it off your skin.
2. The rash can spread, but it’s not contagious
A rash from poison ivy exposure at first grows right where the urushiol reached the skin. This can occur in a couple of hours or up to a couple of days after contact. The bad news is that the poison ivy allergen would then be able to be conveyed systemically inside your body, making rashes appear on different pieces of your body.
It’s not contagious to other people who contact the rash on your skin, regardless of whether the rash is overflowing. The underlying presentation must originate from direct contact with the urushiol itself.
3. Poison ivy is a year-round problem
It’s possible to come in contact with poison ivy throughout the whole year. You can contract it from exposure to the leaves without a doubt, however you can likewise get it from contacting the dormant stems and even the roots. The vines and uncovered wood stay poisonous for up to five years after being cut down, so be careful when handling firewood.
4. Protect yourself by going to the “root” of the problem
To effectively dispose of little to medium-sized poison ivy plants, dig them out. When the plant is dug out, put a plastic trash bag over your arm, then get the plant and flip the sack down over it so it’s encased.
Bigger vines are a harder to tackle. You can saw off the “trunk” of the ivy and allow the top portion to die off on its own (but remember, the urushiol can remain potent for as long as five years). You can dig out the root or keep on consistently expel any new development when it grows. This will inevitably serve to keep the roots from carbohydrates and kill the plant.
5. How to treat the rash
Cooling lotion, anti-itch gels and cold water can help quash the urge to itch a poison ivy rash and help soothe inflammation. Antihistamines like Benadryl can also help, and stronger medications might be necessary if the rash is severe or has spread to sensitive areas like the face or genitals.
