Poison Ivy.... Got any suggestions

[kstaven]

The active ingredient in poison ivy (as well as in poison oak and sumac) is the chemical urushiol, a nasty and persistent oil contained in almost every part of the plant; contact with this stuff produces a serious allergic reaction in about 85 percent of the populace.

"Fate of urushiol (poison oak toxicant) when consumed by dairy goats. Kouakou, B., 1991 Thesis, Univ. of Calif., Davis:

The specific goal of this study was to determine if urushiol and/or its metabolites would be found in the milk, urine, and feces of dairy goats eating poison oak. From the data collected and the procedures used in our initial studies, no urushiol was identified in the urine and the milk. Urushiols were found only in the feces."

Goats actively consuming Poison Ivy have a natural anti-toxin that one can benefit from by consuming their milk. Never ever inhale smoke from burning Poison Ivy as the fumes can cause lung damage.

 

[MommyMagpie]

Fels Naptha laundry soap is effective at removing the oils from your skin. It is rather harsh but we find it very effective.

 

[Flyingbavarian]

I used to get posion ivy and oak really bad but the last several years I have been using this http://www.poisonivyprevention.com/ivy.html and have had success. Maybe its just my body becoming naturally immune, it could be placebo and all in my head or maybe it just really works I couldn't tell you but in the last 5 years I have only had 2-3 breakouts and they were very localized, It didn't spread everywhere like it used too. A coworker swore by this stuff and finally talked me into trying it and I am glad I did, normally I don't buy in to the whole snake oil, cure-all types but i cant argue with the results i have personally experienced.

 

[watchdogps]

I second flyingbavarian's suggestion of homeopathics. I'm not familiar with the product they linked to, but I used Newtons brand homeopathiv drops. I used to get it every year, even if I couldn't tell you where I picked it up! After getting it and using Newtons twice, I havnt had it in three or four years. Plus, its easy, a few drops orally a few times a day, no slathering nasty stuff on your body.

 

[ChikeeMomma]

My hubby gets it very easily and very badly (a couple of times a year). I've never saw someone have such a reaction to it. It's beyond the normal poison ivy blisters. It scabs, oozes, hurts and just keeps growing in size if he doesn't get to the doctor.

He even got it this past winter. When I called the doctor's office to get him in, they didn't believe me that he had it -- he's had it enough that we know what it looks like. He did! He had been clearing some brush and even though everything was dead, the urushiol oil still is there. I try to keep close dibs on where it is on our property. The area he cleared, we thought was free of it. The only thing that helps hubby is a trip to the doc for some prednisone and some prescription strength hydrocortisone cream.

 

[gypsyfarm123]

I feel your pain! I have it right now! I'm the same way,I don't even have to touch the stuff and STILL seem to get it. NOTHING WORKS! I was reading about 'home rems' last year and found out that there is a plant called "jewelweed" also called 'touch me not' (because when you touch the seed pods they "pop"right off the plant). Well anyway,I actually found some last year(it grows near ponds and lakes) you boil the roots (well I boiled leaves and all) then canned the juice (like canning pickles). You can also freeze it and rub it on the rash. I know its a little late for you now, but if you google jewelweed there are plenty of websites that sell creams and ointments (maybe u could have it mailed overnight) other than that you HAVE to go to doctors and get "prednisolone" and this zink cream..I have tried EVERYTHING. I've took a wet rag rubbed it raw and bloody and scrubbed kosher salt in the wound..I've done the same thing and poured bleach on it..(Don't do this!) the salt trick hurt like H*LL and left me scared to this day,but I'd rather be in pain than ITCH! I have a couple prednisolone tabs left over from last year and have been using the Jewelweed ice cubes to ease the itch. But if it starts spreading...I'm breaking out the salt again! But I'm a little nuts so please don't do this to yourself. And another thing,I've heard people say to take HOT showers...my doc said never take HOT shower because it opens up your pores and can spread it even more..but then I had another doc tell me "you only get the rash on the spot you touched it and it does NOT spread! I say bulls**t because like yourself I've had it in places that THERE is NO WAY (that) part of my body touched I hope you get better soon, but if it is Still spreading go to doc or you are going to go CRAZY!! Also google jewelweed images to find out what it looks like so you can pull some up and boil and freeze but leave some there because if you suspect you may have got into some next time I've read that you can take the FRESH leaves roll them up in your hands until it gets juicy and rub all over exposed area.(That is supposed to be the best way because it removes the oils instantly. I just never seem to catch it in time. There are two kinds one flowers yellow and one orange..Here in N.j. We have the orange and it is in flower this month (makes it easier to spot) I'm sure if you look into it you can find out when it flowers and where to find it in your area. At least you will have something to do to take your mind off that awful itch! Good luck<craig

 

[Mattemma]

Milk of mag on the rash. I recently got over a bout if it.Unfortunately I unknowingly rubbed PI into my eyes.Was a wee bit blind for a few days.Took pills for the face,but on the rest the MOM wourked decently.

I have jewelweed too. I just pick the plant and rub the juices right on!

I do the shower and rubbing with a rag tonce out I spray with lidocane or whatever it is that prevents infection and numbs it.

 

[Cluckin'Along]

I used to get poison Ivy all the time.... the big rule is, if you know you've been in it, DO NOT wash with hot water, it opens up your pores and lets the oils right in! Wash with COLD water and dish detergent, (Joy, Dawn, Palmolive...) The detergent cuts through the oils and helps prevent re-occurrence, also add some to the laundry when you are washing clothes that have been exposed to poison ivy. I also take over the counter Claritin when I start reacting, it takes a few days to help, but it really does cut down on the reaction and healing time. Finally, fresh jewel weed is the best! I find that it usually grows near poison ivy, the juice from its stem and leaves really helps decrease the itch and speed healing.
Good Luck!!

 

[porkchop48]

Awesome guys.

Thanks for all the replies. I will be trying out a couple of them and letting know how it works.

I wish I would have know about the hot shower as I have been doing that quite often cause it makes it feel better for a little while... Whoops.

Th epart about the jewelweed is kinda interesting. I will definately be on the look out for that plant.

 

[BackyardCountry]

One word: Zanafel. As soon as you get it, rub it on religiously. it works!