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Relief from the Misery of Poison
Ivy
There are three main plants
that cause allergic reactions in America: poison
ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, all members of the
plant genus Toxicodendron. According to experts at
the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately
85 percent of the population will develop an allergic
reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac if exposed to
them.
Treating Exposure
The first and most essential part of
treatment is prompt use of soap and water to wash
away the plant's toxin urushiol from the skin. In
the woods, the water of a running stream can be an effective
cleanser. If all the oil can be washed off the skin within
5 minutes of contact, there should be no reaction. If
the oil remains on the skin for more than 5 minutes,
washing will not prevent the rash, but it will help to
prevent spreading of the oil.
A topical analegsic such as AspriSpray is an ideal treatment
for the burning and itching associated with poison ivy.
 
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