Family DoctorOnline DoctorFamily Doctor
DiseasesInjuriesMedical TestsDrugsFruitsHome RemediesHerbal MedicinesVegetablesFirst AidVitaminsHomeopathic Remedies
Skin Disorders

Acanthosis Nigricans
Acne
Acne Scars
Acrochordons
Actinic Keratosis
Adult Acne
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Alopecia Areata
Amoebiasis
Anal Warts
Androgenic Alopecia
Angioma
Aphthous Ulcer
Athlete's Foot
Atopic Dermatitis
Atypical Moles
Baby Acne
Back Acne
Baldness
Birthmarks
Blackheads
Blue Nevi
Boils
Bowen's Disease
Bullous Pemphigoid
Capillary Hemangioma
Cavernous Hemangioma
Cellulite
Cellulitis Skin Infection
Comedo
Common Warts
Cracked Heels
Cysts
Dandruff
Dark Circles
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis
Dermatofibroma
Discoloration of Elbows and Knees
Dry Lips
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dysplastic Nevi
Eczema
Enlarged Pores
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Erythroderma
Flexural Psoriasis
Folliculitis
Fordyce’s Condition
Freckles
Furunculosis
Genital Herpes
Genital Warts
Granuloma Annulare
Grover's Disease
Guttate Psoriasis
Halo Nevus
Hand Dermatitis
Heat Rash
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Zoster
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hirsutism
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hyperhidrosis
Ichthyosis
Impetigo
Intertrigo
Keloid
Keratosis Pilaris
Lentigenes
Lentigo
Leucoderma
Lichen Planus
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen Striatus
Liver Spots
Lupus Erythematosus
Lyme
Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Poison Ivy - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Definition

Poison ivy is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae. The name is often spelled Poison-ivy to indicate that it is not a true Ivy or Hedera. It is a woody vine that is well-known for its ability to produce urushiol, a skin irritant that causes an itching rash for most people, technically known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. In extreme cases, corticosteroids can be used to treat rashes. Approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Nearly one-third of forestry workers and firefighters who battle forest fires in California, Oregon and Washington develop rashes or lung irritations from contact with poison oak, which is the most common of the three in those states. Keep in mind that the resin may last for long periods on contaminated clothing, pets, tools, shoes, and other surfaces. These contaminated items can cause future rashes long after the initial exposure.

Causes

  1. The disease can be caused by touching the poison ivy plant. The resin can spread on your body if you accidentally rub it onto other areas of your skin.
  2. You may also develop a reaction indirectly if you touch urushiol left on an item, such as clothing, firewood or even a pet's fur.
  3. Touching any gardening tools that may have the oil on it.
  4. Touching any pets that have been around poison ivy and have gotten the oil on their hair.
  5. Burning the poison ivy plant. The oil from the plant is carried in the smoke.

Symptoms

  1. Exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes an itching rash that usually appears within 24-72 hours.
  2. The rash usually starts as small red bumps, and later develops blisters of variable size. The rash may crust or ooze.
  3. Different skin areas can break out at different times, making it seems as if the rash is spreading.
  4. The rash can affect any part of the body, especially areas where the skin is thinner and more sensitive to the ivy sap. The soles of the feet and the palms of the hands are thicker and less susceptible.
  5. The reaction can vary from mild to severe. Hospitalization is sometimes required.

Treatment

  1. Poison ivy rashes typically go away on their own within one to three weeks. Usually self-care at home is all that is needed for a reaction to these plants.
  2. In the meantime, you can use self-care methods and over-the-counter medications to relieve signs and symptoms.
  3. If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid, such as prednisone.
  4. Wash the exposed areas with water only. No soap should be used since soap can move the urushiol, which is the oil from the poison ivy that triggers the rash.
  5. If you know that you have a severe response to urushiol, wash the affected areas with Tecnu as soon as you get home.
Mastocytosis
Melasma
Morton's Neuroma
Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
Mycosis Fungoides
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Paget's Disease
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Perioral Dermatitis
Periorbital Cellulitis
Pimples
Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica
Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
Plantars Warts
Pock Marks
Poison Ivy
Pompholyx
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Port Wine Stains
Prickly Heat
Pruritis
Pruritus Ani
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
Puffy Eyes
Pustular Psoriasis
Scabies
Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Seborrhea
Seborrheic Keratoses
Shingles
Skin Abscess
Skin Cancer
Skin Darkening
Skin Tags
Strawberry Hemangioma
Sunburn
Telogen Effluvium
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Corporis
Tinea Cruris
Tinea Versicolor
Toothache
Urticaria Pigmentosa
Urticaria
Variola
Venous Angioma
Xerosis

Online Doctor || Teeth Care || Contact Us || Diabetes Care || Cellulite Guide || Chemotherapy || Acne Products ||

Bookmark and Share

(c) Online-family-doctor.com All rights reserved

Disclaimer: Online-family-doctor.com is an information and educational purposes web site only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not rely upon any of the information provided on this site for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this site.