What To Do About Poison Ivy Rash

Taking care of a poison ivy rash can either be a very simple process or become quite complicated. What you choose to do in the way of dealing with the situation will make a big difference on how much pain and suffering you endure before the rash goes away. Here are some tips that will help you deal with the rash and hopefully prevent the condition from reaching a severe level.

One of the first things to do is understand the symptoms associated with a rash from exposure to poison ivy. Commonly, the rash will begin a very minor discoloration around the point of contact. At first, there may not be an itching at all.  However, that will soon change. Within a short period of time, the rash will become more noticeable and the itching will kick in. Ideally, you will begin to use some sort of cream, lotion, or ointment while the itching is still in the first stages. This will greatly impact the amount of pain you experience before the poison ivy goes away.

If the rash is allowed to progress, it will simply spread out over a larger expanse of skin, and also begin to blister the skin.  Blisters can be extremely painful as they retain the hot fluid. When the blisters are ruptured, the potential for additional infection becomes greater. When the condition is allowed to progress to this point, it is time to see a doctor about that severe case of poison ivy rash.

Keep in mind that it is possible to develop a poison ivy rash in two ways. First, direct contact between the sap of the poison ivy plant with the skin will result in the formation of the rash.  Second, some people have been known to develop the rash after burning poison ivy shrubs or vines and coming in contact with the smoke. In either case, make sure you begin treatment immediately, if you want to prevent a prolonged and rather severe case of poison ivy.