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Cure It at Home: Poison Ivy

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

So you went hiking last weekend and you accidentally tromped through a patch of poison ivy. You've got a nasty, blistery rash all over your feet and you want it to go away pronto. I've only tried a few of these home remedies, so I can't vouch for all of them, but anything's worth one try when you're itching like crazy.

Jewelweed, a common weed found in damp areas, is often used to help treat the rash. Mash the weed and apply to your itchy skin.
For 20 minutes, take a bath in salt water, or swim in a chlorinated pool to dry out the rash.
Bathe in tomato juice.
To relieve the itch, cut a mango in half and smear the juice over the rashy area for 10 minutes.
Spray the rash with a deodorant containing aluminum.
Apply tea tree oil to the affected area to help dry it out and clear up the rash faster.

Fit's Tip: Of course, if you have a really aggressive case, I'd talk to your doctor about what over-the-counter or prescription meds he would recommend.

If you have any other home remedies for poison ivy, please share them in the comment section below.

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Buji Block: Prevents Poison Ivy

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Hooray for hiking, trail running, and camping, but boo for poison ivy. During Summer, I love spending time in the woods, but hate coming down with a bad case of poison ivy. I usually stick to the dirt trails, but my dog unfortunately doesn't. If she comes into contact with some poison ivy and I come into contact with her (read: petting and wrestling), well you can bet that I'll be expecting a nasty rash to appear. I just discovered Buji Block lotion ($12.99), and it has been a real lifesaver. It creates an invisible barrier between your skin and the rash causing oils. Not only that, but it protects you from UV rays as well with an SPF rating of 24.

Watch Out For: Poison Ivy

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Unknowingly tromping through a patch of poison ivy can turn a pleasurable hike or run in the woods into a nightmare. If you touch the plant or something that has touched it (like your dog), then the oils can get on your skin and cause a nasty, itchy, blistery rash that lasts for up to three weeks.

If you know you've gotten into some poison ivy, you want to rinse with cold water within an hour of exposure. A hot shower is the worst idea because it will open your pores and let the oils in. If you wash the oils off immediately, hopefully you'll avoid a rash altogether. If you do develop the rash, don't pop the blisters. The liquid inside won't cause the rash to spread, but you could get an infection. Use a topical anti-itch cream to relieve your symptoms and speed up the healing process.

If you learned the rule, "Leaves of three, let it be," you can throw that out the window. While poison ivy does grow in clusters of three leaves, it can also grow up to nine leaves in a group. To hear what else you should you watch out for and see some photos of this treacherous plant read more.

This plant needs light to grow, so often you'll find it lurking on the edge of woods, roads, parking lots, and fields.
Poison ivy generally grows in a cluster of low weed-like plants, but it can also be a vine that climbs up trees.
Many plants look like poison ivy, but you'll know it's something to avoid if the base of the leaves are slightly wide. Also, the edges of the leaves have tiny "teeth."
The leaves aren't always green. They are reddish in the spring, green in the summer, and yellow or orange in the fall.
The berries are typically white.

Check out these photos from the poison-ivy.org website, so you know exactly which plants to avoid and which are harmless.

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A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

It is official: Star Jones had gastric bypass surgery.

If you are hiking this weekend you may want to read up on how tea tree oil defeats poison ivy rashes. It is a battle, don't ya know!

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Test your knowledge on how marijuana and office equipment items compare with cigarettes.

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Looking for girly gear? Ame & Lulu have got you covered with some great toile bags and accessories.

Defeat Poison Ivy With Tea Tea Oil

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

If you've ever had the misfortune of developing poison ivy rash after a hiking or camping trip, you know how positively awful that rash can be. As soon as you wash the oil from your skin, clothes and gear, you can strop worrying about the rash spreading over your body or giving it to anyone else. Just so you know, even the liquid that oozes out of the blisters isn't contagious.

So what can you do to deal with the itchy, bubbling rash that you do have? There are many topical creams like Calamine lotion that can put the itchiness at bay, but when it comes to poison ivy, the quicker it heals, the better.

I found that pure tea tree oil works really well. It's all natural, not that expensive, and easy to find at most health food stores.

Want to know how to use it, then read more

Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water first. Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle a few drops of the tea tree oil directly on the infected areas. Use a q-tip to spread it around. Apply twice a day, and you should see the blisters disappearing and the rash clearing up.

Tea tree oil has drying properties, that's why it's also used to treat acne. It also has antifungal properties, so it's also used to heal minor cuts and scrapes, athlete's foot, and yeast infections.

Fit's Tips: If you can't find tea tree oil at a store near you, order 1 oz of tea tree oil from webvitamins.com for $5.25. It's got a distinctive lemon mixed with cedar like scent and so many uses.

Source and www.poison-ivy.org

Hikers Beware: Poison Ivy Thriving with Global Warming

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

It pays to know your enemy especially when it can give you a crazy rash. Yep, I am talking about poison ivy. Seems that the evil weed is thriving as carbon dioxide levels rise.

According to a study published in Weed Science Journal the slight elevation in carbon dioxide levels that we have experienced since the 1950s have caused poison ivy plants to double in size. Not only that, but the itch causing substance "urushiol" is more concentrated these days too. Yikes! Talk about a one-two punch. With all that, it is not a surprise that severe poison ivy induced rashes are on the rise.

Careful when you are out on the trails and if you are not sure you can identify the plant read: Know Your Enemy: Poison Ivy.

Know Your Enemy: Poison Ivy!

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

'Tis the season for Hiking and trail running. There's a lot of beauty in these woods, but you got to be careful and avoid the poison ivy that lurks at the edges of the forest. Yes, it pays to know your enemy.

First off, it is the uroshiol oil on the plant that is the culprit and creates the horrible itchy, blistery skin reactions associated with poison ivy. While some people don't have a reaction to the oil, others may be hospitalized because their reaction is so severe. You should also know that even if you've been exposed to poison ivy and had no reaction, you are not necessarily immune to it. People can develop reactions at any time of their lives, so it is best to avoid poison ivy at all costs.

You will experience symptoms wherever the oil makes contact with your skin. First you will get a red, itchy spot on your skin, that develops into blisters. Once you wash your skin with soap and cold water, the rash won't spread. If you pop the blisters, the rash won't spread either, but the wounds could become infected so it is best not to pop them.

Many plants can look like poison ivy, so pay close attention whenever you're walking in moist areas. The rule "Leaves of 3, Let it be," doesn't always work. It can grow in groups of 3 leaves, with a larger middle leaf, but it can also grow up to 9 leaves in a group.

Want to know what to look out for, then read more

Poison ivy needs light to grow, so often you'll find it lurking on the edge of woods, roads, parking lots, and fields. In the deep woods, poison ivy can't get enough light, so watch out for moist places that get enough sunlight.
Poison ivy generally grows in a cluster of low weed-like plants, but it can also be a vine that climbs up trees.
The edges of the leaves have tiny "teeth."
The leaves aren't always green - they are reddish in the spring, green in the summer, and yellow or orange in the fall.
The berries are typically white.

Fit's Tips: To avoid getting poison ivy, wear long pants and shoes that cover your entire foot if you are going to be trekking in the woods. If you know you've been exposed to poison ivy, rinse the area immediately with COLD water - hot water will open your pores and let the oil in, which could make your reaction worse.

Here are some more pictures of poison ivy:

poison ivy in the spring

poison ivy in the summer

poison ivy in the fall

climbing poison ivy

Fit's Tips: Poison ivy grows everywhere in the U.S. except in the far west, deserts, and high altitudes.

a poison ivy bush

Source

Texts and Tunes: Fancy Nancy Poison Ivy Expert

LilSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Nancy likes everything fancy, and so does your lil one. The newest jazzy book in the Fancy Nancy series, Fancy Nancy Poison Ivy Expert is, as Nancy would say, stupendous.

While out picking flowers the character discovers an unpleasant surprise, which helps her realize that all experts (and poison ivy novices) can learn something new. The book provides the usual colorful and fun illustrations along with some "fancy" vocabulary for kids to learn and a valuable life lesson.

Poison ivy - oak - sumac

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:01:35 -0700

Overview

Definition
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)
References

Illustrations

Poison oak rash on the arm

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac poisoning is an allergic reaction that results from touching the sap of these plants. The sap may be on the plant, in the ashes of burned plants, on an animal, or on other objects that came in contact with the plant, such as clothing, garden tools, and sports equipment.

Small amounts of sap can remain under a person's fingernails for several days unless it is deliberately removed with very good cleaning.

Poisonous Ingredient

One poisonous ingredient is the chemical urushiol.

Where Found

Bruised roots, stems, flowers, leaves, fruit
Pollen of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Blisters
Burning skin
Itching
Redness of the skin
Swelling

Home Treatment

Wash the area immediately with soap and water. Quickly washing the area can prevent a reaction, but it doesn't usually help if done more than 1 hour after touching the plant's sap.

Carefully wash any contaminated objects or clothing alone in hot soapy water. Do not let the items touch any other clothing or materials.

An over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl or a steroid cream may help relieve itching.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the plant
The amount swallowed (if swallowed)

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

Unless the reaction is severe, you will probably not need to visit the emergency room. If you are concerned, call your doctor or poison control.

At the doctor's office, you may receive:

Antihistamine or steroids by mouth or applied to the skin
Washing of the skin (irrigation)

Expectations (prognosis)

Life-threatening reactions may occur if the poisonous ingredients are swallowed or are breathed in (which can happen when the plants are burned).

Typical skin rashes usually go away without any long-term problems. A skin infection may develop if the affected areas are not kept clean.

References

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001: 194-195.

Review Date: 5/20/2008

Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 1_002886

Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:40 -0700

Overview

Definition
Considerations
Causes
Symptoms
First Aid
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Poison oak rash on the arm

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg

Rash

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. The result is typically an itching, red rash with bumps or blisters.

Considerations

Poison ivy is one of the most frequent causes of skin rash among children and adults who spend time outdoors. The plant can be found throughout the United States, except in the Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaii. It has three shiny green leaves and a red stem. Poison ivy typically grows in the form of a vine, often along riverbanks.

Poison oak is primarily found on the West Coast. It grows in the form of a shrub and has three leaves similar to poison ivy.

Poison sumac grows abundantly along the Mississippi River. It grows as a woody shrub. Each stem contains 7-13 leaves arranged in pairs.

Causes

The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (or resin) of these plants. Smoke from burning these plants can cause the same reaction. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is NOT caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.

Keep in mind that the resin may last for long periods on contaminated, clothing, pets, tools, shoes, and other surfaces. These contaminated items can cause future rashes long after the initial exposure.

Symptoms

A red rash and extreme itching.
The rash erupts in streaks or patches where the plant touched the skin.
The rash includes red bumps and may also form large, weeping blisters.
The reaction can vary from mild to severe. Hospitalization is sometimes required.

The rash usually appears within a couple of days after contact with the plant's oils. The worst stage is often from days 4 to 7. The rash may last for 1 to 3 weeks.

First Aid

Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and warm water. Because the resin enters skin quickly, try to wash it off within 30 minutes. A product called Tecnu, available in camping stores and some pharmacies, is very effective at removing the oils.
Scrub under the fingernails with a brush to prevent the resin from spreading to other parts of the body.
Wash clothing and shoes with soap and hot water. Resin can linger on them.
Promptly bathe animals to remove the oils from their fur.
Body heat and sweating can aggravate the itching. Stay cool and apply cool compresses to your skin.
Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can be applied to the skin to reduce itching and blistering. Bathing in lukewarm water with an oatmeal bath product, available in drugstores, may soothe itchy skin. Aluminum acetate (Domeboro solution) soaks can also help to dry the rash and reduce itching.
If creams, lotions, or bathing do not stop the itching, antihistamines may be helpful.
In severe cases, especially rash around the face or genitals, your physician may prescribe oral or injected steroids.

Do Not

DO NOT touch skin or clothing that still have the resins.
DO NOT burn poison ivy, oak, or sumac to get rid of it. The resins can be spread via smoke, and can cause severe reactions in people who are far downwind.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if:

Someone is suffering a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, or has had a severe reaction in the past.
Someone has been exposed to the smoke of a burning plant.

Call your provider if:

Itching is severe and cannot be controlled.
The rash affects your face, lips, eyes, or genitals.
The rash shows signs of infection, such as pus, yellow fluid leaking from blisters, odor, or increased tenderness.

Prevention

Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when walking in areas where these plants may grow.
Skin products such as Ivy Block lotion can be applied beforehand to reduce the risk of a rash.

Other steps include:

Learn to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Teach your children to identify them as soon as they are able.
Remove these plants if they grow near your home (but never burn them).
Be aware of resins carried by pets.
Wash as soon as possible after a suspected exposure.

References

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby:2001;194-195.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002:1647-1648,2200.

Habif, TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby;2004:25,85-89,402.

Review Date: 2/27/2008

Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Source Doc: 1_000027