Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is poison ivy?
- How common is poison ivy?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of poison ivy?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes poison ivy?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for poison ivy?
- Drugs & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for poison ivy?
- What are the usual tests for poison ivy
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat poison ivy?
Definition
What is poison ivy?
Poison ivy is a condition in which the skin experiences an allergic reaction caused by a resin substance called "urushiol" on the leaves, stems and roots of ivy. Ivy is a hawthorn herb that can cause severe skin irritation (contact dermatitis). Skin that is affected by Poison Ivy may become dry, red, or burn. When a tree is burned, the smoke from the combustion can affect your lungs.
The symptoms of poison ivy, the causes of poison ivy, and the remedy for poison ivy, will be described in more detail below.
How common is poison ivy?
A person who is exposed to poison from trees and people who have arthritis is at risk of developing Poison Ivy. Your chances of getting Poison Ivy can be reduced if you avoid the risk factors. Always consult a doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of poison ivy?
If you have an allergy to Poison Ivy, the most common symptoms are rashes and blisters. Symptoms usually last for days or even weeks. Other side symptoms include itching and mild pain. In addition, you will also find it difficult to breathe when you inhale the air from the burnt Ivy.
There are also some characteristics and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
- The skin rash spreads to the eye, mouth, or genitals
- Swollen skin
- Occurred pimples with pus
- High fever above 38 degrees Celsius
Cause
What causes poison ivy?
Contact with any part of the tree or ivy plant oil (resin) can cause allergies. Direct contact can include touching a tree or indirectly touching something with Ivy tree resin in it. The resin also sticks to clothes, feathers, and other objects where the toxins can stick for a long time, and can cause itching.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for poison ivy?
Some of the risk factors below can affect your chances of getting Poison Ivy, namely:
- Farmer
- Forest ranger
- Gardener
- Firefighters
- Construction clerk
- Workers who install electric or telephone cables
Also, if you are camping, fishing, or traveling to remote areas, you are likely to experience Poison Ivy. The absence of risk does not mean that you are free from possible exposure to disease. The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for poison ivy?
The best medicine for avoiding Poison Ivy is to avoid these herbs. Learn to identify ivy trees and avoid as little contact as possible. Use gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and long pants when out in nature or when gardening to reduce your chances of getting Poison Ivy.
Usually, the rash will go away in 2 to 3 weeks. If the disorder spreads, the doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid medication (prednisone). If the itching and blisters cause infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In addition, you will also be given anti-itch creams such as calamine and soaps containing oatmeal which can soothe the burning effect caused by blisters. In more extreme cases, if the skin disorder spreads (to the face or genitals), the doctor will give you an injection or ask you to take steroids to relieve symptoms.
What are the usual tests for poison ivy
You usually don't need to go to a doctor or hospital to get a diagnosis because the rash will go away on its own. But in some cases, the doctor will diagnose the surface of the skin by doing observation and regular skin tests.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat poison ivy?
The following are forms of a healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Poison Ivy:
- Take the prescribed steroid every day. Drugs taken such as antihistamines can be taken when needed and can be stopped when the complaints are gone
- Apply steroid creams and balms to dry, clean skin. Dosage should follow the doctor's instructions
- Use anti-itching fluids if needed, but avoid using them in the first hour after using steroid creams or balms because steroids need to be absorbed
- Call the doctor when fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or the rash gets worse despite treatment, or new rashes appear on other parts of the body
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
