Got the Itch?
More about Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
 About
85% of us have allergic reactions to poison ivy, poison oak and poison
sumac, which are all members of the Toxicodendron genus. Poison
ivy is most common in the eastern United States, poison sumac in
uninhabited areas and poison oak in the west.
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Facts
- The plants' resin contains the chemical urushiol, which remains
present even in dead or decaying plants and in the smoke from
burning plants. The smoke can affect not only skin but also nasal
passages, throat and lungs.
- Urushiol is easily transferred from one object to another and even
very small amounts of the chemical cause an uncomfortable rash.
- Garden tools and hoses, clothing and household pets that come in
contact with urushiol must be thoroughly cleaned because the
chemical is active for at least a year.
- Contrary to intuition and popular belief, however, scratching the
blisters that form on skin does not spread the rash because the
blisters themselves do not contain urushiol.
Prevention
Prompt use of soap and water is the best prevention of an allergic
reaction to urushiol. If it is washed from the skin within five minutes
of contact it is unlikely that any rash will appear, but washing after
that period of time is beneficial to prevent spreading of the chemical.
For most people, learning to recognize the plants, wearing clothing
that doesn't expose skin and washing thoroughly after possible contact
is precaution enough.
Treatment
Calamine lotion is still the recommended treatment as a drying agent
and to help relieve itch. Cool showers and lukewarm baths to which
oatmeal or baking soda is added also provide relief. The rash and
itching persist for about ten days. A physician should be consulted if
the rash covers more than 20 percent of the body, or if the face or
genital area is involved. The doctor may prescribe antihistamines and
corticosteroid creams.
A new topical treatment-bentoquatam, which is available without a
prescription-can prevent the rash by forming a barrier on the skin.
Applied about 15 minutes before exposure, it is helpful to those who
cannot avoid contact (hikers, park rangers, land clearers and
others).
For more information, call 401-444-7959
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