A lucky 10 to 15 percent of Americans don't react to these plants, but another 10 to 15 percent are quite sensitive to them. In fact, these plants constitute the single most common cause of allergic reactions. All three produce similar reactions, and if you're allergic to one, you'll probably react to the others as well.Ĭases of poison ivy, oak, and sumac affect 10 to 50 million people in the United States each year. Poison ivy is found east of the Rockies, poison oak grows in the West and Southwest, and poison sumac thrives east of the Mississippi River. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are hardy weeds that can be found throughout the United States, except in Hawaii, Alaska, and some desert areas of Nevada. But first, let's take a look at what these plants are and where they are.
HOME REMEDIES FOR POISON IVY HOW TO
In this article, we'll discuss 17 ways to prevent getting a rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac and how to treat such a rash, using medicines and common household items, if one should occur. In fact, a number of simple home remedies exist. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are uncomfortable plants to come into contact with, but there are ways to calm the itchy rash that they can cause. No body part is immune to the oil, although areas most often irritated are the face, arms, hands, legs, and genitals. The rash starts as small bumps and progresses into enlarged, itchy blisters. This is a true allergic reaction to compounds in the urushiol.
Once on the victim, the toxic oil penetrates the skin and a rash appears within 12 to 48 hours after exposure.