Poison Ivy / Poison Oak

 Summary
If you do nothing, it`ll heal in two weeks. If you try all these over the counter and/or natural remedies, it will go away in 14 days. If you go to the doctor for serious mind altering steroids, it`s gone within a day.

What is it and how does it work?

Various species of the genus Toxicodendron, (originally Rhus), species T. radicanas and T. rydbergii. The sap and crushed leaves contain a chemical (Urushiol) which is absorbed by skin cells. The body mounts an immune response to these contaminated cells. Once begun, the reaction ends only when all the contaminated cells have been shed. This is one argument for scratching as much as possible, at the expense of additional scarring.

What are effective treatments?

There are a lot of conflicting suggestions for treatment. Cleaning the area with soap and cold water as soon as possible is the best way to reduce immune response. Antihistamines are either very effective or worthless. If the affected area is small enough, self treatment with over the counter remedies can provide `temporary relief`. One cheap, temporary suggestion is to apply very hot (but not scalding) water to the area, which is supposed to provide several hours of relief by deadening the nerves in the area. Hot water, however will stimulant the histamine receptors and may cause increased itching.

Various over the counter remedies (rhuligel, caladryl, calamine lotion, benadryl) contain alcohol which appears to work by cooling and drying the area. This will only relieve itching for 15 to 45 minutes. 1% Hydrocortisone cream is an effective measure for mild to moderate cases for use up to seven days. (consult with your doctor)

Symptoms may persist for up to seven days, however the rash may not disappear for up to three weeks after exposure. None of the above remedies will reduce this time.

For more serious or widespread cases, a doctor can prescribe steroids which apparently suppress the immune response to contaminated cells. Topical steroid creams are less effective, but may be preferable because they aren`t systemic (absorbed) (some people warn that this is not true when used in the quantities required for a large affected area). Oral, systemic gluco-cortico-steroids are effective and rapid.

How can I prevent this?

Learn to recognize and avoid the plant. If exposed, wash the affected area as quickly as possible with soap and cold water (hot water is reputed to cause the pores to open and allow the oak oil in). A product called Tecnu is supposed to break down the active ingredient in the oil. It`s available at some drug stores, or from Solutions (1-800-342-9988). It`s supposedly recommended by power company linemen. The oil is very easily spread, and can persist in crystalline form on clothing or other contacted items (including pets) for many months (years?), so you should wash anything you may have touched. Scratching affected areas after symptoms develop can not spread the infection, but different levels of exposure, and secondary exposures, can cause delayed reactions (2-3 days) in adjacent areas, giving the impression of spreading.

There are supposed to be naturopathic regimens to develop immunity to poison oak. Some people are naturally immune.

Under no circumstances should you burn the plant; the smoke is as potent as the plant itself. Inhaling the smoke can produce a systemic reaction, including potentially serious lung inflammation.

Encountering a plant with three distinct leaves does not necessarily mean the worst- Virginia Creeper, a benign relative of the Grape, can sometimes masquerade as Poison Ivy. Though its compound leaves usually have 5 leaflets, they may also have 3, or 7. Both plants display red pigments in fall and winter. Homeowners in Florida frequently find Virginia Creeper growing on their fences, walls, and on tree trunks. In certain situations, such as for naturalized landscaping effects or landscaping for wildlife, it may be desirable to maintain some vines of Virginia Creeper.

Leaves of three... Let it be!!