Poison Ivy and Poison Oak: Identification, Irradication and Home Remedies
(Page 2 of 3)
March/April 1981
By Sandra Dark
After you've scrubbed with your chosen solvent, wash with cool water — to keep your pores closed — and a mild soap. Then simply wait and cross your fingers.
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If you come in contact with either plant without realizing it, you'll find that your skin will begin to itch even before the rash of tiny blisters develops on the surface. As soon as you become aware of your mistake, go ahead and wash with an oil solvent. Even if it's a bit late, this "bath" will help remove any leftover resin deposits on the skin, and may prevent the rash from spreading. Contrary to popular belief, breaking the blisters will not spread the dermatitis. And you can tell your friends to relax, because the rash isn't contagious.
Home Remedies for Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
During my severe first attack of contact dermatitis, I filled a shelf with sprays, salves, and lotions — all of which failed to relieve my itching or dry up the rash. I even tried one doctor-prescribed treatment that consisted of smearing my legs with an ointment and then enclosing them in plastic wrap. Believe me, on a sizzling August day, this particular "cure" was worse than the rash itself!
Finally, I stumbled upon a treatment that worked for me. I discovered that the juice from aloe vera leaves (which is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter first aid creams) contains healing agents which assist the body in repairing damaged tissue. The cool soothing gel helps relieve itching for up to three hours. It doesn't stain clothes, and won't gum up after several applications, either. And if you get a major rash — one that would force the leaf-by-leaf sacrifice of an entire windowsill plant to obtain enough healing juice — you can purchase aloe gel in most health food stores. (You may find that cold packs, soapy baths, and even occasional screams also provide some welcome relief.)
And, even after your (approximately) two-week ordeal has passed, you might face some further discomfort: It isn't uncommon for individuals to break out in a secondary rash resembling prickly heat. Such an irritation is a reaction to the previous dermatitis, and can linger for an additional week. And the reaction rash, even though not as itchy, may be more widespread than was the original.
Some people are less susceptible to contact dermatitis than others, but it's worth remembering that even those who have, for years, been "immune" to poison ivy or oak may suddenly become hypersensitive to it. For instance, antibiotics seem to lower one's natural resistance to contact infections. The immunity will sometimes return after it's once lost, although it may take years to build up resistance again. In the meantime; such folks should be extremely cautious in areas that could harbor the plants.
