Do you know that not everyone suffers from the woes of contact with poison oak or poison ivy? It is true, the reason for this is that some people have an allergic reaction to these natural plant toxins and some people do not. However, some of those who are not allergic to it do stand the chance of developing an allergic reaction to urusiol, which is the oily toxin that causes such reactions from these plants. Some individuals may encounter poison oak or poison ivy when their canine companion or favorite kitty get into it and then bring it home with them.
Some people can travel through it all day long and suffer no allergic reaction. However, they can spread that poison to other things such as car seats, sofas, toilets and other areas, and then someone else have an allergic reaction to it instead upon contact. Some people only have to be standing down wind from a fire burning these types of poisons and then suffer an allergic reaction. Clearing off land and burning woods and then inhaling the fumes of urusiol can also cause an infection in the lungs, fevers and an all over body rash reaction. It seems my brother’s were not allergic to poison oak and poison ivy and my mother is extremely so. If there are traces of urusiol oil left on any thing, including the vehicle, furniture and so on, you will have to clean the area or contact and allergic reactions can be recurring.
- Urusiol Oily Toxin Reactions
Urusiol in poison oak and poison ivy causes the small blood vessels to expand, split and drain the fluids through the skin. This causes oozing blisters. Have you found yourself with an itchy, oozing uncomfortable allergic reaction to poison oak or poison ivy? Allergic reactions to these types of plants can cause swelling, inflammation, incredible nearly crazed itching and oozing of open areas. These open areas of oozing are transferable to other areas of the body. This is why it is essential to dry the area up and resist the urge to scratch.
If you are suffering from an extreme case of urusiol poisoning you really should consider seeing your family physician to clear it up fast. Likewise, if you experience a rapid pace in the allergic reactions of extreme swelling and rash blistering you should see a physician as soon as possible as this type of reaction does call for emergency procedures that only medical services can apply. The majority of those who are allergic to poison ivy and poison oak show signs within about one or two days, those who have extreme allergic reactions that call for emergency procedures may show signs within four to twelve hours.
If you have just recently encountered poison ivy and or poison oak, here are a few natural alternative solutions other than using cortisone cream for poison oak or poison ivy as home remedies you may wish to try.
- Use Cold Water
Temperature is important, since our skin reacts in particular ways when in contact with hot or cold. Wash with cold water as soon as possible of getting into poisons such as these. Do not use hot water as it only irritates the situation. Hot water opens your pores. This will influence even more open skin pore exposure. Cold water closes the pores, which may help to decrease the amount of and degree of exposure to the toxin urusiol. Cold applications are highly recommended, for instance you can wet a cloth with cold water or ice water even and the place it on the area. Sitting in front of a fan blowing on the wet cloth on the area is also helpful.
- Alternative Solutions for Curing Poison Oak and Poison Ivy
One of the most common alternatives is the use of calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is cooling and dries to an almost a powder form. It helps to constrict the oozing vessels and absorbs the leaking fluids caused by exposure to urusiol. You should apply Calamine lotion at least three, four and sometimes even more times daily. However, once the area dries up, you should discontinue its use. Calamine works well for some and not so well for others.
Some say the best cures for poison ivy and poison oak actually may even grow right around the area where you find these toxic plants. These may include jewelweed, mullein, lilac, sassafras, burdock, plantain and maybe even inpatients and peppermint. You can crush and use the leaves of these plants to help get rid of the oily residue of poison ivy and poison oak from your skin.
If you have sassafras, you can use the bark or the root to make a sassafras tea, and then use the cold tea to soak a cloth for individual applications. If you have an all over body rash reaction, you can use this same method and make a tea bath. Remember to cleanse any cloth you may use or simply use one that you can dispose of later, since you are dealing with an oily toxin that will transfer to other items and then cause reactions that are more allergic for you and others.
If you have any witch hazel handy, you can use it to rinse off the urusiol toxic oil from poison ivy or poison oak. You may also be able to use Aloe Vera to help relieve the itching and encourage healing. However, you may also want to try using baking soda to absorb the fluids that ooze from this type of allergic reaction. Just make sure that you only use it long enough to dry up the area, stop using it, since continued use can dry out the skin, and cause an even more violent reaction.
While trying to find the best natural alternative solutions other than using cortisone cream for poison oak or poison ivy as home remedies, some may work well for you and some may not. Some may work well for others and may not work well for you. If you are interested in using alternative herbal applications, you should make sure that you are not allergic to the herb you plan to use. Do your research when you plan to use herbal treatments and then use them responsibly, regardless of your personal need for an alternative solution.
Websites with more information include:
Poison Ivy and Oak - 19 Skin-Soothing Remedies
Summertime Woes: Herbal Remedies for Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Bug Bites
A Critical Review of Herbal Remedies for Poison Ivy Dermatitis
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak - Dr. Christopher
Field guides are a great investment when you are traveling the great outdoors or want to learn more about the world you live in. Keeping a field guide comes in very handy for many things including finding natural cures for allergic reactions to poison oak and poison ivy.
© 2009 Sara Valor
