Poison Ivy - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition:-
Poison ivy is a very common plant having leaves coated with a mixture of chemicals called urushiol .When people get contacted with this chemical,it causes an allergic contact dermatiti. This is a kind of immune system response called T cell-mediated immune response or delayed hypersensitivity in which body's immune system recognize a foreign and attacks which is generally an allergic skin reaction.The result is typically an itching, red rash with bumps or blisters. It is not really a poison. Not everyone reacts to urushiol.
Poison Ivy found in two forms:
- Low plant: It is usually found in groups of many plants and looks like weeds growing from 6 to 30 inches high.
- Hairy vine: That grows up a tree.
Each form has stems with 3 leaves. There is a common old saying, "Leaflets three, let it be." This is because most people are allergic to poison ivy.
Symptoms:-
The possible symptoms for poison ivy are as:-
- The first symptom include a red rash and extreme itching.
- The rash erupts in streaks or patches at the points where the plant touched the skin.
- Blisters filled with fluid that sometimes leaks out. On rare occasions, some people will develop blood-filled blisters that sometimes turn black and become shiny dark spots. In severe cases, oozing sores develop .
- Small bumps or larger raised areas.
- There may be fever after the allergic reaction from the plant.
- Swelling of your throat and eyes and there may be overall swelling of your body
- Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Headache and general feeling of discomfort are common .
- The reaction may vary from mild to severe. Hospitalization is sometimes required.
Causes:-
.Anybody can be affected by the reaction, if he or she contacted the plant chemical from any of following way:-
- Direct contact with the poison ivy plant
- By touching any clothing, including shoes, that have come in contact with the plant.
- Also by touching any gardening tools that may have the plant chemical on it.
- Smoke from burning these plants can cause the same reaction.
- Touching any outdoor pets that have been around poison ivy and have gotten the oil on their hair.
Treatment:-
The effective treatments for poison ivy are as:-
- First of all get your skin cleaned by alcohol and then apply some cold water which washes some of the urushiol from the skin.
- Now take a shower with soap and warm water.
- Then wash everything that you have with you like shoes ,tools, and your clothes with rubbing alcohol and water by wearing gloves on your hand.
- Cover any oozing blisters with a clean gauze bandage soaked in a baking soda and water solution.
- If necessary, use a very strong mixture of salt water. Wait until warm and then put onto affected areas to help dry it up.Do not do this on face.
|