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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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June16, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Leaves Of Three, Let Them Be
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
The title states an old
wise saying. It describes what poison ivy looks like; three leaves on a
stem with or without notched edges, growing on vines, green to reddish,
depending on the season. However, it is not always that easy to
identify. If you have access to the internet, go to
www.poison-ivy.org for a very
informative pictorial about this plant. (Remember, you can use the
internet at your local library if you do not have the internet at home.)
Poison ivy is the most common cause of contact allergy (reaction to
something you touch.) It is not the leaves of the plant that cause the
itchy, red, blistery rash that develops. The rash is caused by urushiol,
a sticky fluid found in the sap of the plant. It can be found in all
parts of the plant, including the leaves stems and roots. It may also
remain for a time period in dead plants. You must have contact with this
fluid in order to break out in a rash. Therefore, scratching poison ivy
rashes does not spread it. The bubbles and blisters of the rash do not
contain urushiol, but rather are filled with a fluid from blood that is
produced as part of the body's reaction to urushiol. Scratching it may
lead to infection or scarring , but it does not spread poison ivy.
Besides coming into direct contact with the sap of the plant, you can
also get poison ivy through objects that have had contact with the plant
sap. Urushiol might be on a golf ball or a garden tool, or on the fur of
your family pet. Poison ivy oils can penetrate thin clothing. The smoke
from burning poison ivy plants can cause a reaction. The severity of the
rash you get will depend on how big a dose of urushiol you are exposed
to.
If you think you've been exposed to poison ivy, washing yourself with
soap and water may help to prevent the development and/or the spread of
a rash. It appears that water inactivates the urushiol. Soap is
necessary because urushiol is sticky and not very water-soluble.
Mild rashes may respond to wet compresses or soaking in cool water to
reduce itching. For help in drying up rashes, solutions made of dilute
aluminum acetate (Burrows Solution), saline (salt) or sodium
bicarbonates (baking soda) are recommended. Aveeno, an oatmeal bath, is
also helpful. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends these
products for soothing and relief from itching: Aluminum hydroxide gel;
Calamine; Kaolin; zinc acetate; zinc carbonate; zinc oxide;
hydrocortisone preparations; and lotions containing antihistamines such
as Caladryl or Benadryl cream. Use caution if applying antihistamine
products on children, since they are absorbed through the skin into the
blood stream. No products should be used for more than 7 days without
consulting a doctor. Severe rashes may require stronger, prescription
medicines. Learn to recognize outdoor poisonous plants. While poison ivy
is the most common source of contact allergy, urushiol is also found in
poison sumac and poison oak. Persons with severe allergy to poison ivy
may wish to consider the use of a barrier product (like IvyBlock.) Check
with your doctor. For written information on this topic, District
residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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