Consumer Reports: How to prevent and treat poison ivy
If you're heading outdoors, watch your step. Poison ivy could be where you least expect, like the edges of backyards or even at the beach.
It's been more than three weeks since Layla Faragallah had a run-in with poison ivy.
Most of the physical signs of it are gone, except for a few lingering scars and dried blisters, but the memories of the discomfort may take longer to fade.
"The itching was so bad that I actually missed two days of school, I couldn't really walk, or get out of bed," said Layla.
"It can be, probably, trickier to identify poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, than you might think. All these plants can appear differently depending on the area of the country they're in, the time of year, the weather," said Catherine Roberts, Consumer Reports Health Editor.
Just brushing up against a poison ivy plant can deposit its oily coating, called urushiol, onto your skin. It's what makes poison ivy, "poisonous."
"Only folks who are allergic to one of these plants will react, but most people are allergic. And it can happen immediately, right after you're exposed or it can take up to four days for the rash, the swelling, the blisters, to appear," said Roberts.
Some scientists believe we may be seeing more severe cases because of global warming and longer growing seasons.
Long sleeves and long pants can help protect you, but if you even think you've been exposed, break out the soap and water immediately.
"Scrub your skin, really thoroughly. Get under your nails, but you also want to wash your clothes, your gardening tools, even your dog. That residual oil can transmit the rash and the oil can linger for years," said Roberts.
And just ask Layla. While topical creams may help, only time stops the itch.
Other home remedies, including oatmeal baths and cool compresses, can also offer some relief, but if they aren't helping, Consumer Reports suggests a trip to the dermatologist.
A course of steroids can be dramatically effective in stopping the itch even sooner.
