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A woody vine that is in the sumac family and the Anacardiaceae family is what many know as poison ivy. This plant is among the most common human allergy for those in the United States, having more than half of all Americans being affected.

Some people believe that if you rub or scratch at the irritation that the poison ivy causes, it will spread and this is completely false. There is only one way of spreading the rash, and that is to have contact or move the urushiol oil. Once in contact with the plant, it is wise to wash the area with soap and water to remove any oil that could be left on the skin so spreading cannot occur. Blisters can form, and if they are broke it can cause an infection or scars to occur, but will not cause the rash to be moved from one area to another.

The cures that seem to work the best are those that eradicate urushiol, the oil that covers the leaves of the ivy that causes the allergic reaction and rash. Some people think they are immune to the ivy rash and this is untrue also. For many first time sufferers, it can take up to 10 days for the rash to appear and the more times exposure takes place the more likely you will have a rash.

Symptoms of the condition are a simple red raised rash in the area where contact with the poison ivy was made. After the rash appears, severe itching will be present until the rash is relieved. There are many topical solutions on the market that are made specifically to deal with this type of rash.

Rhuli gel made by Band Aid is made for drying out the blisters that can occur with the reddened area and helping to demolish the itch that is associated with it. This can be found at many drug stores and larger department stores in the health and beauty aisle.

Another product used for this type of problem is Ivy Dry. It can be found in cream or liquid forms, and gets rid of the itch as well. Some people will go visit a doctor, where prednisone is given often. It is a corticosteroid that helps to keep the immune system from responding to the oil and causes the itching to be relieved.

Many physicians will suggest taking warm Epsom salt baths to help deal with the itch and then following up with calamine lotion. After a few days the problem will go away on its own and the itch will be gone as well.

You are looking for that perfect poison ivy cure, aren’t you? We have a poison ivy remedy that many individuals wish they heard about - you should give it a try.