Overview Of Poison Ivy And Common Treatment Methods
Toxicodendron radicans, commonly referred to as poison ivy
, is frequently seen across much of the United States. Poison ivy is usually recognized for the intensely itchy rash that evolves on those who come into contact with the plant.
This common plant may be tough to recognize for many individuals, and is found in a plant type (develops near the land surface such as a weed) or vine (will grow up the trunk of a tree). Three notable traits that help to recognize this particular plant are: leaflets tend to be almond-shaped and they are seen in groupings of three, thorns are not present, along with alternating leaf arrangements. The foliage coloring may vary from a gentle tone of green, to dark shades of green, vivid red, orange, or even yellow, based on seasonal change. Leaflets possess straight edges as well as shiny surfaces, and are t normally around three, but up to twelve centimeters in height.
These plants yield an irritant identified as urushiol. Urushiol is the sole reason why a majority of people accumulate a terrible rash as a result of coming into contact with a poison ivy plant. This specific reaction is clinically referred to as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. While there is a very small fraction of people who may not suffer from an allergic reaction caused by direct contact with urushiol, sensitization is a possibility with continual exposure.
Urushiol oil stays active for many years, so dead poison ivy plants and vines are extremely capable of causing a reaction. The oil can be transferred in many different ways, including clothing, pet fur, tools, shoes, camping, hunting, fishing, or hiking gear, or other objects that come in contact with the plant and the surface of the skin. If there is any suspicion that an object has come into contact with the plant, it is important to wash the item immediately to avoid transmission.
Considering the fact that urushiol binds to the surface of the skin in just a matter of minutes (pretty-much upon contact), it is extremely necessary to clean the stricken part of skin with cold water instantaneously following possible contact. When utilized in a timely manner, mineral oil might help to greatly reducing or eliminating any urushiol off of the surface of the skin.
If the urushiol is not eliminated, and it successfully bonds to the skin, a reddish-colored rash and severe itch will develop, and turn into a blister. The fluids that come from the blister do not spread the poison to other parts of the body or to other people. If the rash seems to be spreading, it is simply because some areas had more contact with the poison than others, causing them to react more rapidly. Smoke from burned poison ivy can cause a rash on the lining of the lungs, resulting in significant pain and respiratory complications, and possible death. If the plant is consumed, damage can occur to the organs, digestive tract, and/or airway. Any of these types of contact with poison ivy can possibly result in anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal within minutes of occurrence, either through an extreme drop in blood pressure or swelling that constricts the airways.
Basic treatment for poison ivy lesions may include Calamine lotion or anti-itch products, baths in baking soda or oatmeal, hydrocortisone creams, antihistamine tablets, and in more severe cases, corticosteroids. These treatments will not get rid of the rash or lesions, but they will temporarily relieve discomfort.
While a majority of occurrences resolve naturally, there are some situations that might possibly necessitate emergency medical care. Some of these particular situations might include things like evolution of pyrexia (fever), the lesion ranges over a considerable amount of the body surface, pus is leaking out of the blisters, the rash affects the inside of the eyes, mouth, or the surrounding area around the genitals, or in cases where the rash is constant without improvement over a few days after occurrence.
Poison ivy lesions typically persist approximately one and four weeks. The particular restoration time period primarily will depend on the amount of direct exposure. Correct preventative measures can easily be taken to help people to eliminate and minimize the transmission of the poisonous oil. Adults are highly urged to inform adolescents on the visual appearance and potential risks concerned with any poisonous plants.
by: Becca G Taylor
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