Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Urushiol Cause for Skin to Itch and Treatment for Relief
The cause of the rash, blisters and insatiable itch from poison ivy, oak or sumac is urushiol, which is a chemical in their sap. Reactions and treatments are the same for all three poisonous plants.
Urushiol can penetrate the skin within minutes, so there’s no time to waste if you know you’ve been exposed. After your exposure complete these first two steps outdoors:
- Cleanse exposed skin with generous amounts of rubbing alcohol. Because alcohol removes your skin’s protection, any new contact with urushiol will allow it to penetrate more quickly.
- Wash your skin with water, and don’t use soap because it can pick up the urushiol and spread it around.
- Take a shower using soap and warm water, and be sure to clean under fingernails thoroughly.
- Wipe down all items that may have been contaminated with urushiol using alcohol and water.
Skin is so sensitive that cleansing doesn’t help unless done soon after exposure.
Redness and swelling may appear in about 12 to 48 hours after exposure without cleansing, blisters and itching to follow.
Your rash will only occur where urushiol has touched your skin, and scratching does not spread it. The reason breakouts may appear over time is because different parts of your body have varying absorption rates.
The rash, blisters and itch will normally go away in about 2-3 weeks without any treatment. Wet compresses or soaking in cool water may be effective for itch relief. Oral antihistamines also relieves itching.
Over-the-counter topical corticosteroids are effective for temporary relief of itching associated with poison ivy and there are numerous OTC products to help dry up your oozing blisters.
Many find Australian Tea Tree Oil a fabulous natural relief to their itch.
About 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac, usually after several encounters with these plants.
