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Urushiol oil in poison sumac, poison oak, and poison ivy may produce a severe skin rash.
Timely urushiol removal can prevent poison ivy skin reaction. The key is to understand how poison ivy works.
Jim Brauker, Ph.D., spent 25 years as a biomedical scientist studying skin inflammation. He has been retired for 8 years, during which he has spent much time doing small property deer habitat work. Because he has high poison ivy sensitivity, he has tried many poison ivy treatments, poison ivy soaps, poison ivy creams, and other poison ivy products. Because he had such a strong poison ivy allergy, he either needed to give up habitat work or figure out how to optimize urushiol prevention. Poison ivy prevention was key, but poison ivy removal, actually urushiol removal was key to preventing poison ivy rash. This video shows the remarkable results of his investigation into how to prevent poison ivy reactions. The solution is so simple it is almost seems dumb. But if you follow his prescription, you will probably never suffer a severe urushiol induced skin rash (contact dermatitis) again. Don’t take chances. You may think you have urushiol immunity or poison ivy immunity but you may just not have poison ivy sensitivity yet.
How can you identify poison ivy and what should you look for?
As summer approaches, outdoor enthusiasts look forward to enjoying their favorite activities like camping, hiking, and gardening. Unfortunately, they may also come into contact with poison ivy, which can ruin the fun. Poison ivy is a plant that contains urushiol, a toxic oil that causes an itchy, rash on contact with skin. It is a common irritant in the United States, with almost 85% of the population being allergic to it. But, with proper precautions, it’s possible to never have a serious poison ivy rash again.
1. Learn to identify poison ivy
The first step to avoiding poison ivy is to know what it looks like. Poison ivy goes through several stages of growth, but it always has three almond-shaped leaves. The leaves can be glossy or dull, depending on the season. Poison ivy also has small, green or yellow flowers and white berries. Knowing how to spot poison ivy can help you avoid coming into contact with it in the first place.
2. Wear protective clothing
When you’re out in nature, always wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes. Choose clothing made from tightly woven fabric to reduce the likelihood of urushiol getting on your skin. If possible, wear gloves to protect your hands. A hat or bandana can also protect your face, neck, and ears.
3. Wash your skin and clothing
If you think you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, wash your skin and clothing as soon as possible. Urushiol can remain on surfaces for a long time and can be transferred to your skin repeatedly. Use soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or specialized products like Tecnu or Zanfel to remove the oil. Don’t forget to wash under your fingernails and any jewelry you were wearing.
4. Don’t scratch
It can be tempting to scratch at poison ivy rash, but doing so can worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of infection. Use cool compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation. If your symptoms are severe, you may need prescription-strength medication from your doctor.
5. Get immunized
For those who are highly allergic to poison ivy, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option. These shots can help your body build up immunity to urushiol over time, which can reduce the severity of reactions. Talk to your doctor to see if immunotherapy is right for you.
In conclusion, avoiding poison ivy rash is all about preparation and vigilance. Knowing how to identify the plant, wearing protective clothing, washing your skin and clothes, and avoiding scratching are all important measures to take. If you’re highly allergic, you may also want to consider immunotherapy. With these tips, you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about the pesky rash that comes with poison ivy.
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