Every year I am determined to get out and do some yard work and every year I get a case of poison ivy. If you are like me, I can get poison ivy just by looking at it. Last year I had a pretty bad case. This year I am going to be ready for it. Here are some facts that you might want to consider if you start itching. By the way, I have several formulas to help you recover faster and minimize the itching.
Facts about Poison Ivy
How long does the rash last?
The typical rash can last anywhere from a week to 3 weeks, depending on how bad it is and how you treat it. Prescription medications can reduce the time to heal.
How long does the oil last?
The oil from poison ivy is extremely stable and will stay potent – essentially forever. You can get a rash from clothing or tools that have the oil from last summer, or even from many years back.
So if you don’t remove the oil by washing, using alcohol to dissolve it, or by just hosing off with a hard spray from a hose – assume it will stay forever.
Is it contagious?
Once you have the rash the oil has been absorbed and you probably can’t spread it to others or to other areas of your body. The big blisters filled with liquid it is mostly water. If these rupture they do not make the rash worse by spreading.
Aren’t there 2 types of poison ivy?
Climbing variety (toxicodendron radicans) and the non climbing (toxicodendron rydbergii) poison ivy. Many people confuse poison ivy and poison oak are essentially the same when comparing the rash that is created.
If you have a bad case the typical treatment is a steroid dose pack and a topical steroid. Let me know if you need a topical treatment that can provide you with better control of the itching and reduce the inflammation. I often recommend adding Lidociane, Tranilast, Ketoprofen, Aloe, and many other items to improve the way the medication works. So next time you start itching give me a call (901)757-9434.