A woody vine that is in the sumac family and the Anacardiaceae family is what many know as poison ivy. This plant is among the most common human allergy for those in the United States, having more than half of all Americans being affected.

Many think that to rub or scratch the irritation from the poison ivy plant will make it spread to other areas, and this is completely incorrect. There is only one way to spread the rash, and that is to spread the oil called urushiol that is on the plant. Once a person has come into contact with the plant it is best to wash the area so there is no oil residue to spread. If blisters from because of the rash, breaking blisters can cause infection and scarring, but will not cause the rash to spread at all.

There are some cures that work better than others, and the most effective are those that get rid of the urushiol oil on the leaves of the plant that cause the reaction. Some believe they are immune to the plant and this is very untrue. For people who have never had the problem before, it can take as long as a week or more to see the rash on the skin. The more times a person is exposed to the plant, the more prevalent chances are you will get a rash.

The symptoms of this condition is a red raised rash that occurs in the place where the poison ivy plant made contact. After the rash is seen, itching will follow until the redness is completely gone. There are quite a few topical and prescriptions that are made just to deal with this type of condition.

One product is Rhuli gel, and Band Aid makes it to help dry out blisters that can be caused by the rash. This topical treatment gets rid of the itch, and can be found at quite a few drug stores or department stores in health and beauty or first aid aisles.

Another product used for this type of problem is Ivy Dry. It can be found in cream or liquid forms, and gets rid of the itch as well. Some people will go visit a doctor, where prednisone is given often. It is a corticosteroid that helps to keep the immune system from responding to the oil and causes the itching to be relieved.

Some doctors will ask that you take a warm Epsom salt bath to quell the itch. Following with calamine lotion on the area will help to finish the itch. Within a couple of days the problem will cease and the itch will be completely gone.

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