Poinson Ivy - Skin care and the remedies for rashes

Poison ivy is responsible for about 350,000 cases of skin poisoning each year. The best protection is to be able to recognize and then to stay away from the plant. If you are not certain you can recognize poison IVY, don't hesitate to ask about it. 

The plant grows in the form of clinging vines, shrubs which trail on the ground, and erect shrubbery. It clings to stone and brick houses, climbs trees and poles, flourishes along fences, paths and roadways, and may be partially hidden by other foliage.

The leaves, one to four inches in length, are green and glossy in summer, red or russet in spring and fall. The leaves always grow in clusters of three; this is the one constant characteristic that makes poison ivy easy to recognize even though it assumes many forms and leaf colorings. "Leaflets three, let it be" is an old jingle and a good one to remember. 

The irritating substance in poison ivy is the oily sap in leaves, flowers, fruit, stems, bark, and roots. Most cases of ivy poisoning are due to direct contact with the plant-at any time, even in winter. Some come from handling clothing, garden tools, and pets contaminated by the oily lap. 

If you realize that you have accidentally handled poison ivy, wash your skin as soon as possible, preferably with yellow laundry soap. Lather several times and rinse in running water after each sucking. This removes or makes less irritating any oil that has not already penetrated the skin. Ivy poisoning manifests itself first in burning and itching.

A rash and swelling follow, and there may be blisters, large or small. The interval between contact and first symptom can vary all the way from a few hours to a week. If there are large blisters, severe inflammation or fever, or if the inflammation is on face or genital area, a doctor's help is needed. 

He will be able to relieve discomfort and guard against secondary infections until the attack subsides, as it eventually does. When there are only a few small blisters on hands, arms, or legs, apply compresses of very hot plain water for brief intervals. Or apply a com- press soaked in dilute Burow's solution (1 part to 15 parts of cool water). Your druggist can supply Burow's solution.