Poison-Ivy Myths

A number of widely held beliefs about poison ivy simply aren't true. Here's the real story on some long-standing myths:

  • Scratching poison ivy blisters will spread the rash. The oil in the plant spreads the rash, not the fluid in the blisters. If you get the oil on your hands, for instance, and you touch different parts of your body, it will spread to them. This happens long before the blisters have even formed. It is true that you should avoid scratching the blisters, but only because your fingernails may have germs on them that could start an infection.
  • The old saying "Leaves of three, let them be," always holds true. This is usually the case for poison ivy and oak -- but not every time. Leaflets may come in groups of five, seven, or even nine.
  • You can catch a poison ivy rash from someone else. The rash can't travel from person to person through the blister fluid or any other way. Only the oil can be spread by contact.
  • Dead poison ivy plants can do you no harm. This may seem logical, but it's not true. The oil from the leaves and stem can remain an active allergenic chemical for up to several years after the plant itself dies. The oil even remains a threat in winter, when it's possible to pick up poison ivy while gathering kindling and firewood.
  • The juice from crushed plantain leaves will prevent a case of poison ivy rash. There's no scientific proof to back this claim, although hikers often try this as a preventive strategy.
  • You can't be immunized against poison ivy. You can, but the procedure requires a great deal of time, effort, and commitment from both the patient and doctor, and there are side effects. If you're considering immunization, talk to an expert and get the facts. Some patients end up deciding that undergoing the treatments is worse than putting up with a poison ivy rash. Doctors usually suggest immunization as a last resort for people who experience very troublesome reactions.

Even More Home Remedy Treatments for Poison Ivy

Still itching? Some other common home remedies can help battle the poison ivy, oak or sumac discomfort.  In addition to items found in your kitchen, some common medicine cabinet items can offer relief.

 

Remedies from the Medicine Cabinet

Smooth on some calamine lotion. Your mother probably painted your skin pink with this goop if you had a brush with poison ivy as a kid. Smart thinking, Mom: Calamine lotion can be mildly soothing and help dry the rash. Apply it in a thin layer, however, so that the pores in your skin are not sealed.

Apply Burow's solution. This lesser-known product (sold without a prescription) can soothe and relieve mild rashes when put on compress-style. It's often sold under the name Domeboro, in a tablet or powder form that you mix with water (according to package directions). Ask your pharmacist if you're having trouble locating it.

Try hydrocortisone creams. Sold without a prescription, these creams may offer some relief for mild rashes. However, for more serious cases, hydrocortisone creams are not strong enough to help. If you have a rash that is severe enough to take you to the doctor, he or she may prescribe more potent steroids.

Getting a rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac can be a huge discomfort, causing a rash and significant itching. Luckily, there are home remedies to calm both effects, and by using one or more of a number of natural treatment options -- some using common kitchen items -- those infected with poison ivy, oak or sumac can find relief.

For more information about allergies and skin ailments and how to treat them, try the following links:

David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also is a professor in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

Publications International, Ltd.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.