Health & Fitness

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Q: What should I do if I come into contact with poison ivy?

A: It’s that time of year where we spend more time outdoors (in the garden, hiking on trails, camping) and we can come in contact with the nasty plant. Not everyone has a bad reaction to the plant but if you have had a bad reaction in the past, you will likely have bad reactions every time.  

Poison ivy is a low-lying, three-leafed plant with white berries. Each part of the plant (leaves, stem, berries, root) contains urushiol, the resin responsible for the skin reactions so many people suffer with.  

One’s first reaction to poison ivy can take two to three weeks after exposure to show a reaction but subsequent episodes will appear within two days after exposure. Reactions usually involve redness, itching and develop into small blisters. The urushiol resin can be transferred by fingers or animal fur (good idea not to let your dog run free in areas with poison ivy) and can remain on clothing for months (clothing should be washed in hot water separately).  

The best treatment is avoidance. Steer clear of any three-leafed plant with flowers and berries. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and closed-toed shoes when walking in areas likely to have poison ivy.  

If you do come into contact with poison ivy, wash the affected area with cool, soapy water to remove as much of the resin as possible. Cold compresses or skin washes such as Buro-Sol, calamine lotion or a combination product called Aveeno Anti-itch and steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, can be used to reduce discomfort and itching.  

A doctor should be consulted: if the rash stays red or itchy for more than two weeks, if the rash is over most of the body or if it is near the eyes, or if the rash looks like it is becoming infected.

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Sunday, June 20, 2010