Friday, February 27, 2009

Poison Ivy


Leaves of three - they are! You've probably heard that little rhyme about poison ivy. But did you know that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain the same substance that causes the rash? It's called urushiol (pronounced: yoo-roo-Shee-ol), a color, an odor of oil (called resin) contained in the leaves of plants.
What are the signs and symptoms of Poison Ivy?

Urushiol is considered an allergen because it causes an allergic reaction - which takes the form of a rash, itching, swelling, and sometimes. Not everyone is a reaction to urushiol, but about 60% to 80% of people do. This reaction can occur within hours of coming into contact with urushiol or as late as 5 days later. Normally, the skin becomes red, itching, swelling and blistering and published. After a few days, the vesicles May be crusty and start to flake off. The rash of people that poison ivy takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal.
Should I see a doctor?

It'sa good idea to consult your doctor for any rash, especially if you have a fever too. If your doctor determines that it was a rash caused by poison ivy or a plant, he or she will tell you in May to take cold showers and use a soothing lotion like calamine lotion. In severe cases, doctors can prescribe pills or creams that contain antihistamines or steroids (not the same type of use of steroids that bodybuilders!) To reduce itching and redness.
Can I prevent it?

Poison ivy can grow anywhere - from forest to its own backyard. And it is difficult to identify not only the green leaves of poison plants blend in with other plants and shrubs, but there are several types of poison ivy, and may vary depending on the time of year.t is also possible to get a rash from poison ivy, without venturing into the forest or in direct contact with the plant. Urushiol can be transferred from one person to another. In addition, a person who can take everything that comes into contact with oil, including pets. Urushiol can travel in the air if someone burns the plants to clean the brush.

The leaves of poison ivy plants release urushiol when they are beaten, torn, or brushed. (When the resin is released, the leaves appear shiny May or May if you see black spots of resin on them.) Once the urushiol has been released, you can easily get into the skin of a person. Here are some tips to help you avoid a rash of poison ivy:

* Learn to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac, so you can get away from them. (Be especially careful of plants, the leaves look shiny).
* Avoid areas where we know that there is poison ivy.
* Wear long sleeves and long pants when in areas where poison ivy grow in May.
* If your dog has been to explore the woods, gives a shower to remove the urushiol oil in May on his coat.

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