Some Important Facts You Should Know About Poison Ivy
Anacardiaceae is the plant family to which poison Ivy belongs. Poison Ivy is found mostly in the tropical regions. The plant nurtures as vines & shrubs and are found near lakes and brooks. They are present in huddles as yellowish green plant. Identification of this is done through the leaf structures. Leaves are present in groups of three. There is a single leaflet on the end areas of the stalk and the other two leaves are on the sides. Each leaf is of 8 cm and has notched edges. They are green in color but becomes red on falling. The fruits of poison ivy also facilitates in its identification. Fruits look like small pumpkins, which are white in color & are similar to grapes in size. Urushiol is the poisonous oil substance present in poison ivy which is responsible for causing rash.
The symptoms do not appear immediately when someone comes in contact with Poison Ivy. It takes about 24-48 hours to appear. Firstly rash appears as a small scratch on the part of the body which comes in contact with poison ivy plant. Redness and inflammation of skin may also be present. Steadily, this rash develops to other parts of the body. Rash could be transformed into blisters, which are regularly found in a straight line. Itching may be present in these blisters. Slowly, these vesicles and blisters are filled with fluid. There might be other symptoms like dizziness, breathing problems, swelling in throat etc.
There is a misconception among the people about the contagious nature of poison ivy. People who gets rashes and blisters after coming in contact with poison ivy are not contagious and can not transmit the infection to others. However the plant contains urushiol. Whosoever, touches this, gets the indications.
People come in contact with this poisonous plant during trekking trips. If you happen to come in contact with this, you have to respond appropriately immediately. First of all clean the affected area properly with the help of an antiseptic lotion. If it is not obtainable, you can still clean the affected area with alcohol. Wiping with alcohol will lessen the reaction of poison ivy. Oatmeal paste can prove to be exceedingly helpful. This offers relief to itching. Another component, which gives relief, is aloe vera gel. Honey also has some healing properties and thus provides instant relief from burning and itching. Banana peel acts as a home made remedies and is very beneficial. For this, mash 2-3 bananas and apply the peel on the affected areas where itching and rash is present. Also dish washing liquid is effective in this. Dilute the dish wash liquid and apply it on the pretentious area. After some time, wash it with water. Cleanse it with water subsequently. Rinse it with water finally. Drink a lot of water and liquids, which are rich in Vitamin C & E, which prevents dehydration and helps in healing rashes and blisters. If the reaction of the individual to poison ivy is severe and is not controlled by any of this methods then, consultation of physician becomes essential. Delay in such cases postponement can be very serious.
Also gather more details on poison ivy treatment and poison ivy pictures.
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