Poison Ivy
Poison ivy and ragweed are often confused. The two plants are actually quite different. Ragweed, or rather its pollen, is one of the main causes of hay fever, while poison ivy is a plant that triggers an irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. In terms of appearance, its almond-shaped leaves have distinctive jagged edges and grow in groups of three.
Cause
Poison ivy contains an oily resin that causes an allergic skin reaction in the vast majority of those who come into contact with it. Dermatitis can develop as a result of direct or indirect contact between the skin and the poison ivy resin. In fact, the resin responsible for the allergic reaction can be transferred from the plant to other objects such as pet fur, clothing and tools. Even if the plant is dead, uprooted, or dried, it still contains the resin and can therefore trigger a reaction.
Symptoms
Reactions tend to appear 24 to 48 hours after initial contact and usually disappear within 7 to 21 days. Poison ivy causes contact dermatitis which, simply put, is an inflammation of the skin. Symptoms are as follows:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Blistering
Blisters can occur at different times for the same person. For example, they can develop on the arms several days after appearing on the hands. This does not mean that the reaction is spreading from one area of the body to another. The fluid inside the blisters is not contagious.
Treatment
- Wash hands thoroughly with cold water and a touch of soap, as soon as possible. Although this will not prevent the allergic reaction from occurring, it will stop it from spreading.
- Wash also any clothing, tool or pet that may have come into contact with the plant, to prevent further contamination.
- Avoid scratching as this may lead to infection.
- Apply cold compresses or calamine lotion to dry the blisters and relieve itching.
- Take a bath with added colloidal oatmeal or baking soda as it may also help alleviate itching.
- A cortisone-based product may be recommended by your health care provider to soothe itching and promote healing.
Seasonal allergy medications do not work against poison ivy rash, since it is a different kind of reaction.
When should I see a health care professional?
Consult your health care provider in the following cases:
- You have signs of infection (pus, fever > 37.8°C)
- The reaction covers a wide portion of your body
- You have lesions around sensitive areas (genitals, eyes, or mouth)
- Symptoms last for more than 3 weeks
- You've ingested poison ivy
- You've inhaled the smoke from burning poison ivy