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Leaves of three, let them be; berries white, run in fright.
An old and accurate adage, but unfortunately most people do
not readily recognize poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
in order to be able to avoid these plants. Clearly the key
to avoiding the significant discomfort of the rash associated
with these plants is to avoid contact with them. LEARN to
RECOGNIZE and AVOID these plants. If plants are present around
the home or similar areas, ELIMINATE them when feasible.
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Poison Ivy
Grows as a climbing vine in most areas but may also appear
as a small shrub. Smooth leaves grow in leaflets of three.
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Poison Oak
Grows as a vine or shrub. Leaflets of three leaves which
are more compact and have a rougher surface than poison
ivy. Plants' leaves, vines, trunk, and berries may appear
to have a hairy surface. |
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Poison Sumac
Small tree that grows in wet or swampy areas. Leaflets
terminate in three but have side leaves as well. Plant
appears brilliant red in fall. |
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When You Realize That You Have Come Into Contact With
These Plants Immediate Action Is Required to rid
the skin of the oily substance which causes the rash. Thorough
washing using soap and water is essential, and liquid dish
detergent may enhance removal. Begin cleansing the area as
soon as possible. Washing may not remove all of the oily substance,
but removal of most of it can reduce the severity of a subsequent
rash. After washing, swabbing the affected area with rubbing
alcohol may further help eliminate the oily substance. Clothing
which may have come into contact with the plants should also
be thoroughly washed. The substance may remain on unwashed
clothing or other items for days or weeks and contact with
the skin can result in a rash. Also, wash any garden tools,
camping equipment, or similar objects which may have come
in contact with these plants in order to prevent future contamination
of the skin.
The skin rash caused by exposure to poison ivy and similar
plants is referred to as contact dermatitis. It is a delayed
allergic reaction to an oily substance present in these plants
called urushiol. This substance is found in the plants' leaves,
stems, berries, and roots. When a sensitive individual comes
into contact with any of the parts of these plants, urushiol
can be transferred to the skin. A rash may not appear for
several days after the exposure. This rash is usually accompanied
by intense, continuous itching and is often described by patients
as being nearly unbearable. How widespread the rash becomes
depends on the body area directly exposed to urushiol. The
substance is often picked up on the hands or clothing and
then transferred to other areas of the body. Urushiol may
also become airborne in smoke from the burning of these plants
and exposure to this smoke can result in a substantial allergic
response.
The contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy and similar plants
is not contagious. Contact with the rash or skin eruptions
does not cause the disease to be transferred to another individual
or to another area of the body. However, a person with the
oily urushiol on their skin or clothing may indeed transfer
this substance to another individual and a rash may result.
Pets which have come in contact with these plants may also
be a potential source of contamination.
The TREATMENT of CONTACT DERMATITIS focuses on (1) relieving
the intense itching, (2) drying the rash, and (3) soothing
the allergic reaction, while the disease runs its normal 10
to 14 day course and the symptoms dissipate.
Cool, tap water compresses applied to the affected areas
may help relieve itching. Your physician may recommend adding
an astringent to this solution to help relieve the itching
as well as dry the rash. A lukewarm oatmeal bath may also
be beneficial. Over-the-counter products to prepare this bath
are available at your pharmacy. Hot baths may superficially
seem to reduce itching, but may actually inflame the rash,
result in intensified itching, and hence should be avoided.
After using soaks or bathing, calamine lotion applied directly
to the affected areas may continue to help relieve the itching
and dry the rash. Cortisone creams or lotions may reduce the
itching, although these do not facilitate drying. Some oral
antihistamines may also reduce the itching sensation, and
those which tend to cause drowsiness may help the patient
sleep. Ask your physician for an appropriate recommendation.
The relief a patient receives from these various therapeutic
approaches may vary widely, and one may need to try several
of these in order to determine which works best.
When deemed appropriate, your physician may prescribe an
oral steroid medication which can provide more rapid relief
of symptoms. When An Oral Steroid is Prescribed, Follow the
Dosage Directions Carefully. It is Important to Take the Entire
Course of Therapy As Directed. Do Not Discontinue
Oral Steroid Therapy Without Consulting Your Physician.
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