Poison ivy: an allergic reaction from plant

Poison ivy is a reaction to the resin or oil of a poison ivy plant. The plant’s leaves, stems, and roots contain resin, and this resin can cause the skin to break out into blisters. The blisters often itch and burn. Because the resin is so sticky, it can be easily spread to other parts of the body and cause more rashes. Not everyone is allergic to the resin in poison ivy and, therefore, will not have an adverse reaction to it.

Causes of Poison Ivy

A poison ivy reaction is caused by exposure to the resin of a poison ivy plant. The resin can stick to skin, clothes, and more so it can be transferred from person to person. There are three ways people contract poison ivy.

• Direct Contact: If a person touches the plant and the oil gets on their skin, they may have a reaction at the contact spot. Scratching the rash caused by the resin can also allow it to be spread to other areas of the body.
• Touching Contaminated Objects: If someone walks through a patch of poison ivy and get it on their shoes and then they touch their shoes, they could get it on their hands.
• Inhaling Smoke: Burning the leaves of a poison ivy plant and inhaling the fumes can cause breathing problems. The resin is inhaled into the lungs and can irritate them. It can also harm the nasal passages.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy

Everyone reacts to poison ivy differently. Some people have severe reactions, and others only have minor symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of poison ivy include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Difficulty breathing

Diagnosis of Poison Ivy

Most people who have had a poison ivy reaction before can tell when they get it and diagnose themselves. Doctors can diagnose it by looking at the skin and ruling out other common skin problems. No tests are needed.

Treatment of Poison Ivy

There are many different types of treatments for a poison ivy reaction. Severe cases may require medical attention, but most can be treated with over-the-counter products. Treatments are focused on easing the itchiness and pain associated with the rash. Some common treatments include:

• Steroids: If the rash is widespread or if the reaction is severe, a doctor may prescribe steroids. They are also sometimes prescribed if the sufferer has inhaled the ivy.
• Oral Antibiotics: If scratching has led to an infection, a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to help treat it.
• Topical Creams: Topical creams can be purchased over the counter and are used to treat the symptoms of the rash. They help stop the scratching and repair the skin. If the condition is severe, a doctor may prescribe a medicinal cream to help repair the skin faster.

Prognosis of Poison Ivy

A poison ivy reaction is not a serious health problem, and once a person seeks treatment, the rash will start to clear up. Treating the rash promptly will help the sufferer avoid infections and other complications. Once a person has had a reaction to poison ivy, they know to avoid it in the future.

Resources:

• American Academy of Dermatology:
• https://www.aad.org/