Questions & Answer
Q:
How do these plants cause allergic reactions?
A:
Urushiol, the allergen found in these plants, attaches to the skin within five minutes to two hours after exposure. This event triggers an allergic response, whereby the body's immune system attacks the skin containing the urushiol. Reactions result from direct contact with broken leaves or stems of the plant; indirect contact by touching something that has urushiol on it (like a family pet or garden tool); or through airborne exposure to burning plants.
Q:
What are the signs and symptoms?
A:
An allergic reaction to poison ivy (oak or sumac) is quite intense and far more common than any other cause of an allergic skin reaction. Signs and symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, blistering, tenderness and of course, itching.
Q:
What are the treatInent options?
A:
Over-the-counter remedies like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone may alleviate the itch. Your physician also may prescribe steroids
for more severe cases to reduce inflammation and stop itching. However, side effects of excessive use may include thinning of the skin, acne and discoloration. Oral steroids also carry health risks, especially for young children.
Zanfel™ Poison Ivy Wash provides a valuable alternative to drug therapies for mild to moderate cases. Sold in the First Aid section of pharmacies. Zanfel is clinically shown to remove urushiol after breakout and relieve itching within seconds of use.
Medical experts caution against the use of topical creams containing anesthetics (benzocaine) or antihistamines (diphenhydramine). because these agents are known sensitizers that can actually worsen the rash through the body's allergic response to these drugs. Further, there is doubt of their effectiveness.
for more severe cases to reduce inflammation and stop itching. However, side effects of excessive use may include thinning of the skin, acne and discoloration. Oral steroids also carry health risks, especially for young children.
Zanfel™ Poison Ivy Wash provides a valuable alternative to drug therapies for mild to moderate cases. Sold in the First Aid section of pharmacies. Zanfel is clinically shown to remove urushiol after breakout and relieve itching within seconds of use.
Medical experts caution against the use of topical creams containing anesthetics (benzocaine) or antihistamines (diphenhydramine). because these agents are known sensitizers that can actually worsen the rash through the body's allergic response to these drugs. Further, there is doubt of their effectiveness.
What to do if you 've been exposed to poison ivy , oak or sumac :
I)
Cleanse: Immediately cleanse the area with plain soap and water, paying special attention to the palms of your hands. Since this outer
layer of skin is thicker, urushiol does not penetrate the area and can be carried on the palms for hours. Urushiol will bind to the skin
within five minutes to two hours after exposure. After binding, plain soap and water are no longer effective at removing urushiol.
layer of skin is thicker, urushiol does not penetrate the area and can be carried on the palms for hours. Urushiol will bind to the skin
within five minutes to two hours after exposure. After binding, plain soap and water are no longer effective at removing urushiol.
2)
Decontaminate: Remove and wash all clothing, shoes and shoelaces that may have come in contact with the oil.
3)
Relieve: If signs or symptoms appear, use Zanfel, the only product clinically shown to remove urushiol from the skin after breakout
and relieve itching. Removing urushiol is the most important step in eliminating the reaction. Other common remedies, such as calamine lotion, may produce mild and temporary relief of the itch but will not remove the oil.
and relieve itching. Removing urushiol is the most important step in eliminating the reaction. Other common remedies, such as calamine lotion, may produce mild and temporary relief of the itch but will not remove the oil.
4)
Don't scratch! Scratching may cause infection because it allows bacteria from dirt on the hands to enter the skin. Excessive scratching may also
cause scarring.
cause scarring.
5)
See your family physician: Be sure to consult your family physician if symptoms worsen and/or the rash spreads to the mouth, eyes or genitals. Severe reactions may require further treatment.
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