Poison Ivy - Information on Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy Information

Poison Ivy is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. In extreme cases, corticosteroids can be used to treat rashes.

Poison ivy is a kind of allergic skin reaction which is due to (Toxicodendron radicans or Rhus toxicodendron) is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae. The name is often spelled "Poison-ivy" to indicate that it is not a true Ivy or Hedera. It is a woody vine that is well-known for its ability to produce urushiol, a skin irritant that causes an itching rash for most people, technically known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Poison Ivy.

Causes of Poison Ivy

The Poison Ivy is caused due to th contact with the plant .The resin in the plants contains an oily substance called urushiol. Urushiol is easily transferred from the plants to other objects, including tools and animals. This chemical can remain active for more than a year. When a person touches this substance, either directly or indirectly, a reaction often occurs. In addition, when poison ivy is burned, the airborne urushiol particles may come in contact with your skin

Treatment of Poison Ivy

Methods For Treating Poison Ivy are :

• cool showers
• wash the exposed areas with water only .
• now, take a shower with soap and warm water.
• lastly, put gloves on and wipe everything you had with you, including shoes, tools, and your clothes, with rubbing alcohol and water.
• over-the-counter anti-itching creams such as calamine lotion
• oatmeal or baking soda baths
• prescription cortisone (if the reaction is severe)