Poison ivy, western poison oak, and poison sumac all have anoil in their leaves, vines and roots, called urushiol. Theoil is released when the plant is bruised. The oil is stillactive even in dead plants.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology 85 per cent of people are sensitive to the oil.

Usually within 15 minutes of contact, the urushiol binds toskin proteins. When you know you have been exposed washwithin 5 minutes with cold water to completely prevent areaction. If it is washed off with soap and water beforethat time, a reaction may be prevented.

Washing within an hour will still reduce a reaction. Andfor up to about 6 hours washing with alcohol may still helpremove some of the oil.

Approximately 24 to 36 hours after exposure an itchy rashwith blisters develops. Scratching the blisters doesn'tspread the rash. New lesions that appear are in areas lesssensitive or where less urushiol was contacted.

The rash can last as few as 5 days to as long as 6 weeks,the average being two weeks.

If a rash develops, the blisters and red, itching skin maybe treated with calamine lotion, Epsom salts, or bicarbonateof soda. For mild cases, wet compresses or soaking in coolwater may be effective. Hydrocortisone creams and oralantihistamines can help relieve the itching. For severereactions see a doctor.

The oil can remain active on clothing and footwear for aslong as a year so be sure to wash clothing very well orthrow them away.

Urushiol can stick to pets, garden tools, balls, or anythingit comes in contact with. Pets should be bathed and theurushiol should be wiped off of inanimate objects withalcohol and water. Be sure to wear gloves or otherwise coveryour hands while doing this and then discard the handcovering.

Urushiol that's rubbed off the plants onto other things canremain potent for years. In a dry environment, the potencyof the urushiol can last for decades even up to 100 years.

An old folk remedy that is effective is rubbing the crushedleaves of jewel weed to the exposed areas. Jewel weedrelieves the itching, stops the spread and helps to heal thepoison ivy rash. Jewel weed can sometimes be found growingwhere poison ivy grows. A tea made from the leaves is saidto work as a preventative before exposure.

About the Author:

Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net. For more information on preventing and curing poison ivy rashes: http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/poisonivyrash.htm