When it comes to treating poison ivy, there are many methods and medications. Poison ivy medicine falls into three categories: natural, prescribed and over-the-counter.
Significance
It is estimated that there are about 120 million Americans who are allergic to poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac. Normal signs of infection can be any combination of the following after coming into contact with the plant.
*Severe itch
*Rash
*Redness and swelling
*Oozing, in severe cases
*Blisters, in severe cases
In most normal cases, the symptoms begin to show within 48 hours after contact. This is caused by contact with urushiol oil, which is caused by the plants.
Warning
About 15 percent of people allergic to poison ivy will have severe allergic reactions. This will include the following symptoms:
*The rash and swelling break out in 4 to 12 hours instead of the normal one day
*The eyes may swell shut
*Blisters will form and begin to cover the skin
If this does start to happen, you are having an emergency situation and must see a doctor immediately. The hospital will give you immediate medicine for poison ivy to relieve the swelling.
Types
Natural cures have always been a medicine for poison ivy passed down for generations. Some of the more common natural medicines for poison ivy include the following:
*Vitamin C
*Baking soda and
*Aloe vera
*Milkweed
*Jewelweed
Types
Over-the-counter medicine for poison ivy will work for many people. It is recommended that you try one of these products before going to see a doctor in mild or minor cases of outbreak.
*TechNu--this also works well as a preventive measure when used as a lotion before coming into contact
*IvyRest--this works similarly to TechNu
*Benadryl--this can be taken internally
Types
Most doctors will give oral steroids. Some of the more commonly used poison ivy medicines are the following:
*Diprolene AF
*Prednisone--this steroid has side effects such as mood swings and irritability
*Benadryl/Cordisone--this is the famed medicine known as the "poison ivy shot" used to alleviate symptoms quickly
*Icthammol
Warning
Some general tips to watch for with taking any medicine for poison ivy:
*While overuse of prescribed medicine is never a good idea, stopping oral steroids before the entire course is taken can result in a return rash that can be as bad as the original
*Not all of the natural medicines for poison ivy will work for all people. If you try them first, and they still do not cure the symptoms, be sure to inform your doctor
*Many of the over-the-counter medicines for poison ivy will have warning and cautionary labeling; be sure to read the labels before using
*If you get a severe case of symptoms, the only medicine for poison ivy that will help is one prescribed by a doctor
*It is possible to spread poison ivy without trying; once you know you have it, take every precaution not to let the affected area come into contact with uncontaminated skin, washcloths, clothing or other people or pets, as it will spread quickly
Considerations
Once you realize you have gotten into poison ivy, oak or sumac, you will need medicine for it. If you know there are any of these plants around where you will be, take an over-the-counter medicine with you and be prepared to use it immediately. Some other suggestions to stop the spread of poison ivy and its relatives would be:
*Immediately wash any clothing you were wearing, as it will have the plant oils on it
*Immediately wash the affected areas in warm soapy water or bleach water if you can, as this will remove the oil from the outer skin and help stop the spread
*Do not touch your face if it is not already affected.
*If you realize you are in a poison ivy patch, rub your skin with mud. This will help stop the itch and the spread of the oil until you can wash it off.
*If you are going to hike off-trail, wear long sleeves, jeans and boots to provide greater protection
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