Sources of urushiol

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Urushiol is present in poison ivy, oak and sumac. The chemical irritant is secreted from the stalks or leaves of the plants. Many are highly sensitive to urushiol and react with rashes and itchiness.

Management of reactions to urushiol

Luckily, the rashes and itchiness that arises after exposure to urushiol settle without requiring treatment, but it might take several weeks. The treatment is aimed on providing comfort to the individual by reducing the inflammation and itchiness.

Some of the measures that can be used in managing reactions to urushiol include:

• Application of a cold compress on the rash for 15-20 minutes several times throughout the day.
• Apply a topical antihistamine, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to lessen the itchiness.
• An oral antihistamine can be used to reduce the itchiness.

  

Other home remedies and alternative options that can help with the itchiness include:

• Prepare a paste made of water and baking soda that is applied on the rash.
• Apply aloe vera directly on the rash. If a plant is available, slice it open and rub the slippery part on the skin. You can also utilize topical products that include aloe.
• Encourage the individual to take a cool bath
• Apply tea tree oil on the rash

Preventive measures

• Identifying the plants – poison ivy comes in different varieties and can grow as vines or shrubs. You should check for the combination of 3 leaves. As for poison oak, it oftentimes has a reddish discoloration on the borders of its leaves or all over with white or yellow berries. Poison sumac grows as a small tree or shrub with more than 3 leaves in a row, usually up to 13. The plant produces large amounts of urushiol in all parts of the plant.
• Protecting the skin – the skin must be protected when spending time outdoors. This helps lessen the risk for exposure. Make sure though that the clothes must be washed after contact with the plant.