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DESCRIPTION
Allergic reactions to three native American plants - poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, all members of the plant genus Toxicodendron - have been sources of misery for many centuries. Native Americans warned the early settlers about the ill effects of these plants, and Captain John Smith described them in his journal, thus making the first report of an allergic disease in America.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are probably the most common allergenic plants in the United States. These plants grow in every state except Alaska, and are common along roadsides, in forests and pastures, and along streams - even, in the case of poison ivy, in suburban back yards.
Poison ivy and poison oak are members of the same botanical family. Poison ivy is more prevalent east of the Rocky Mountains; poison oak is more common to the west and southwest. Poison sumac is common in southern swamps and northern wetlands. All three plants produce similar symptoms, and as a result all three are often referred to as poison ivy.
It is estimated that 65 percent of Americans are sensitive to these plants and according to the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac if exposed to them. About 2 million people each year have a reaction from contact with them. Sensitivity to poison ivy is acquired and is at its peak during childhood. Most susceptible are people who are sensitive to sunlight. The irritating substance in poison ivy is urushiol, a substance present in the oil sap in the leaves, flowers, fruit, stem, bark, and roots. Urushiol is one of the most potent toxins on earth; less than 1 ounce would be enough to affect every living person. The blisters, swelling, and itching are caused by an immune response to this poisonous sap. The plant is poisonous even long after it has dried out, but it is particularly irritating in the spring and early summer, when it is full of sap. Every part of these plants is toxic.
CAUSES
In general, an allergic reaction is a sensitivity or overreaction by the body to a substance that does not cause a problem in most people. The substances, known as allergens, include mold spore, dust, food, or pollen. The reaction may take many forms; for example, the sneezing and runny nose of hay fever (pollen allergy) or the itching and skin rash of hives. When these allergic reactions develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen, they are called immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Hives and angioedema form when, in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Histamine is a chemical released from specialized cells (mast cells) along the skin's blood vessels. Allergic reactions, chemicals in foods, insect stings, sunlight exposure, or medicines can all cause histamine release.
The allergic response to poison ivy, oak, and sumac is not immediate, but occurs 12 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of response is known as delayed hypersensitivity. In susceptible persons, contact with these plants leads to a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. (Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin). Such a rash also may be caused by other plants as well as by things such as cosmetics, medicines applied to the skin, synthetic fabrics, latex, and metals such as nickel, which is often found in jewelry.
A person who is sensitive to poison ivy, oak, or sumac also may react to other plants in the same family (Anacardiaceae or cashew family). This family includes several trees—cashew, mango, Japanese lacquer, and Indian marking nut. The substance causing the dermatitis may be found in different forms and in different parts of the plants. For example, skin rashes have followed contact with wooden and lacquered articles produced in China and Japan and with the oil from the cashew nut shell.
Usually, no visible reaction will occur the first time a person comes in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. In fact, one may not even realize that contact has taken place. If a reaction (rash) does appear, it may be 7 to 10 days after the first exposure. Many low-level exposures over a period of years are generally necessary for an individual to reach this level of sensitization, and many people never develop allergic contact dermatitis from poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are three of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in North America. The resin of all three contains an active oily ingredient known as urushiol. While the urushiols of the three plants are not identical, they are sufficiently similar in chemical composition for a person allergic to one to react to all three.
Direct contact with the plant is the most common means of contracting poison ivy, but the poisons can be conveyed to the skin in other ways. Some people have contracted poison ivy by petting an animal that has been in contact with it. It can also be transmitted by clothing or objects that have come in contact with the plant. Because urushiol is in the resin of the plant, rubbing or crushing the plant or a leaf provides sufficient contact for an allergic reaction. Very small amounts of the chemical can provoke a serious reaction in susceptible people. Since urushiol, the chemical responsible for allergic reaction, can remain active for at least one year and sometimes much longer and it is transferred easily from one object to another, such as clothing or tools that touch the plants, or through pets that rubbing against the plants picking up the plant oils and passing directly to a person, it is necessary for exposed objects or pets should be thoroughly cleaned with water after contact with the plants.
Cases of poison ivy allergy occur most frequently during the spring, summer, and early fall when people spend more time outdoors. A reaction to poison ivy, however, can develop even during winter because urushiol is still present in dead or decaying Toxicodendron plants. The chemical can be carried in smoke particles from burning plants, including branches of poison sumac trees accidentally gathered for firewood. The smoke may expose not only the skin of susceptible persons to the chemical but also their nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Severe cases of mouth poisoning have occurred in children who have eaten the plant's leaves or grayish berries.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The first symptom of poison ivy is a burning and itching sensation. This is followed by the development of a red, intensely itchy rash characteristic of an allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. This develops within a few hours (usually 12 to 48 hours) after a sensitized person comes in contact with the urushiol. The time may be as short as 4 hours or as long as 10 days, depending on one's sensitivity and the extent of the contact. The rash is usually self-limited. It is at its worst after about 5 days (range between 4 to 7 days) and then gradually improves within a week or two even without treatment.
The intensely itchy rash is often accompanied by swelling, bumps and blisters. After reaching their peak in several days, the blisters break and the oozing sores begin to crust over and disappear. A mild case may involve only a few small blisters, while a severe case may cause many large blisters, acute inflammation, fever, and/or inflammation affecting the face or genitals. The rash often forms a linear pattern. Exposed parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, and face, are the areas most likely to be affected. The rash rarely occurs on the scalp, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet because the outer skin there is very tough, and it is difficult for the plant oil to penetrate. Scratching can then spread the inflammation to other parts of the body. Itching, redness and swelling begin to heal by the second day after the appearance of the rash, and most people are completely healed within 7 to 14 days.
Scratching the rash may introduce bacteria into the open sores, causing a secondary bacterial infection. Severe infections may produce symptoms such as abscesses, enlarged glands, and fever.
In general, other complications of poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergies are rare. Occasionally, extremely sensitive persons exposed to urushiol over large areas of the body may become quite ill. Infrequently, kidney problems may develop.
RISK FACTORS
There are several known factors that cause histamines to be released, and hives to form. These include allergies to medications or substances in the environment, chronic infections, foods, underlying systemic disease such as asthma (a condition that causes inflammation and obstruction of the airways in the lungs), blood products given intravenously (into the vein), scratching, heat or cold, and exposure to sunlight. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that cause difficulty in breathing and lead to death. It is important to call 911 immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected.
Contrary to common belief, scratching or spontaneous oozing of the rash and blisters will not cause them to spread because urushiol is not present in the blister fluid. If the chemical has not been completely washed off the skin, touching the affected areas and then another part of the body can transfer the chemical and thus the rash. Similarly, the rash cannot be passed between persons, unless urushiol is still present on the skin of the affected individual.
PREVENTION
Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
- Remove yourself from triggers that may cause hives and other allergic reactions by avoiding areas in which these plants grow. Everyone, even children, should learn to recognize, and avoid, these harmful plants. "Leaves of three, let them be"" a wise old saying.
Poison ivy usually grows as a vine, but it can also take the form of a shrub, growing somewhere from 2 to 7 feet high. Its leaves always grow in clusters of three, one at the end of the stalk, the other two opposite each other. The leaves are slightly glossy and green, however the leaf shape may vary. The plant may produce yellow-green flowers and greenish white berries with the distinct markings that make them resemble a peeled orange. Recognizing the berries can help identify the plants in late fall, winter, and early spring when the leaves are not present. Poison ivy can be found throughout the United States, although it is most common in the eastern and central portions.
Poison oak closely resembles poison ivy, although it grows as a shrub exclusively, and its leaves are lobed, like oak leaves. Like those of poison ivy, they grow in threes. The undersides of the leaves are always a much lighter green than the surface and are covered with hair. The plant may develop hanging clusters of greenish or creamy white berries, although many plants bear no fruit. Poison oak grows on the west coast of North America from Mexico to British Columbia. Eastern poison oak superficially resembles poison oak, but it may be a variant of poison ivy. It is found chiefly in the southeastern United States.
Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree about 5 to 6 feet high that has multiple leaflets growing on both sides of a stem. The number of leaflets may range from 7 to 13, but it is always an odd number, arranged in pairs, with a single leaflet at the end of the midrib. The leaves are elongated and without teeth. Poison sumac grows mainly in uninhabited areas, especially in swampy locations. Thus, hikers, hunters, and others who spend a lot of time in the outdoors should become familiar with its appearance. Poison sumac can be distinguished from harmless sumacs by its drooping clusters of green berries. Harmless sumacs have red, upright berry clusters.
Admittedly, avoiding these plants can be difficult. Poison ivy and poison oak grow almost everywhere, in backyards as well as in woods and pastures, although neither poison oak nor poison ivy grow at elevations above 4,000 feet.
- If you must do yard work or be exposed to these plants, be sure to cover skin areas with appropriate clothing. Appropriate clothing should be worn for activities that take you into forests or through thick underbrush. These are long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, socks, and gloves. Lightweight fabrics do not provide adequate protection against poison ivy or oak, because the sap can easily penetrate them. Wear gloves and heavier clothing if you may be exposed to the plant(s). If you are outdoors, you should always be alert for poison ivy when walking and especially look down before you sit down.
- Clean thoroughly anything that has come into contact with poisonous plants before touching with uncovered hands or other body parts. They are not safe to wear again until they have been laundered or dry-cleaned. This includes cleaning shoes and any other items including tools used in yard work or any other outdoor item that has come into contact with the sap of the plant.
- The toxin urushiol does not affect dogs or cats, but they can bring the irritating substance home on their fur and pass it to you. If you suspect your pet may have walked through poison ivy or poison oak, bathe them immediately to wash off plant oils. Be sure to wear gloves and heavier clothing when handling your pets before and during bathing them.
- If you burn plants, cover your face and mouth with protection to keep from inhaling the smoke containing plant oils. During burning, urushiol is carried by smoke and dust particles. Airborne particles may coat surround surfaces with urushiol and cause diffuse dermatatis and potentially severe airway irritation.
- A friend of mine who works as a professional tree remover here in Massachusetts highly recommends using "Oak-N-Ivy Brand Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser" by Tec Labs. It is a first aid cream used by many public utilities, timber companies, the forest service and other outdoor industries and has helped to save countless lost work hours by reducing worker's claims from exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac. It is a cream that can be used to protect and remove toxic plant oils found in poison oak and poison ivy and can be purchase in stores that sell outdoor supplies and equipment. It should be used immediately before or after exposure to poisonous plants before rash begins. Once the rash has started, washing with this product helps remove any free oils on the skin or clothing, thus allowing the skin's natural healing process to begin without possible contaminants and it helps to keep the irritant from spreading. This product should not be applied to raw or oozing areas of skin and should not be used for at least 3 days after using hydrocortisone ointments on the affected area. It should not be used around the mucous membranes or the eyes. For more information about this product see Tec Labs, Inc: Tecnu. They also make "IvyStat", a dual-action poison ivy exfoliant and treatment in a two-step kit. For more information about this product, see Tec Labs, Inc.: IvyStat.
There are some protective agents available. They should be applied at least 15 minutes before possible exposure. In 1995, Ivy Block was reported in a controlled trial to completely protect 70 percent of exposed volunteers and partially protect the rest. It has been approved by the FDA. Several other barrier creams appear to be effective, including StokoGard Outdoor Cream, Hollister Moisture Barrier, and Hydropel. Much less active or ineffective were Ivy Shield, Shield Skin, Dermofilm, and Uniderm. Dermashield is not effective.
TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS & TESTS
Exams and Tests
Often the person who develops allergic contact dermatitis from one of the Toxicodendron plants is aware of the exposure and may report it to a health care provider. The health care provider (usually a family physician, dermatologist, or allergist) can use several diagnostic methods to determine the causative agent, if it is not already known.
The first step in diagnosing the cause of allergic contact dermatitis is to obtain a medical history. The health care provider will ask questions about the person's activities and environment before the rash appeared, chemicals used in work or hobby activities, medications or cosmetics applied, and other exposures that might serve as clues to the cause.
The history as well as the typical appearance and location of the rash are often sufficient to implicate one of the Toxicodendron plants as the cause of the dermatitis. When a health care provider needs to confirm suspicions of an allergy, a patch test can be performed. Because the material used in the patch test itself may sensitize patients to urushiol, the test should be used only when necessary for diagnosis - not as a routine procedure. In any case, the test should not be done until all active sores have healed because testing can aggravate the condition further.
In the patch test, a minute amount of an oily extract from the poison ivy plant is applied to a small area on the person's back. This may be covered with a specially prepared patch for 2 days, after which the health care provider inspects the test area and notes the results. The test is considered positive if typical contact dermatitis is produced at the test site. It may be necessary to observe the area a second time, a day later, if the rash is not a clearly positive test result after 2 days. The degree of sensitivity often can be judged by the severity of the test rash in response to test material of known strength. Like other allergy skin tests, however, results of this test are sometimes positive even when the person has no past history of clinical symptoms to the test substance. The patient tested should expect the test site to itch for several days.
A common myth is that bathing will spread the blister fluid and thus the disease. To the contrary, the first and most essential part of the treatment is prompt use of soap and water to wash away the urushiol from the skin. In the woods, the water of a running stream can be an effective cleanser. If all the oil can be washed off the skin within 5 minutes of contact, there should be no reaction. If the oil remains on the skin for more than 5 minutes, washing will not prevent the rash, but it will help to prevent spreading of the oil. Any clothing that might have come in contact with the oil also should be washed, before bringing it indoors, if possible. In addition, other items, such as garden tools and hunting or fishing gear, should be washed if they have been in contact with the plants.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT
The skin rash from poison ivy allergy does not leave scars unless there is a secondary bacterial infection with deeper skin involvement. Thus, with the source of urushiol eliminated, a person with a mild rash requires little or no further treatment. The sores will heal without treatment, but wet cold compresses of water or diluted liquid aluminum acetate (Burow's solution) may relieve any inflammation while the rash is still oozing. Calamine lotion is a good drying agent and helps to relieve the itching and inflammation. Cool showers or soaking in a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda added will help dry blisters and provide comfort.
A person should see their health care provider if the rash is severe, is on the face or genitals, or covers more than 20 percent of the body. The health care provider may prescribe medicines to reduce itching and inflammation. These may include antihistamines to be taken by mouth and corticosteroid lotions and creams to be applied to the skin. The health care provider may prescribe oral corticosteroids in severe cases but also in some moderate ones.
Over-the-counter and prescription preparations for this condition should not be used excessively. When applied to the skin, antihistamines, benzocaine derivatives (mild anesthetics that often are used to lessen the itching of poison ivy), and some additives in corticosteroid preparations have been known to cause superimposed forms of contact dermatitis in many people. Thus, if the rash worsens after treatment, the affected person should suspect that it is an allergic reaction to what has been applied.
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bentoquatam, which is available over the counter, to prevent poison ivy. It comes in a lotion that should be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes before exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. It provides a barrier that protects against or reduces the severity of the rash caused by the plants. Susceptible persons should reapply it every 4 hours for continued protection while they are in settings where they might become exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Bentoquatam should not be used if people already have a rash from these plants. It is especially useful for those who find it difficult to avoid contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, such as park rangers and hikers. It is not recommended for children under age six.
MEDICATION CONSIDERATIONS
Oral prednisone is sometimes prescribed to relieve itching and reduce swelling. However, this treatment should be reserved only for very severe cases involving fever, difficulty urinating, dangerous facial or genital swelling, or other symptoms of acute illness. Oral steroids are extremely powerful drugs and can cause serious side effects.
Topical steroids are not helpful for poison ivy and should be avoided.
Both oral antihistamines and oral corticosteroids can have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and the inability to urinate. Antihistamines, especially the older ones such as diphenhydramine, can cause more severe reactions in the elderly.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you know or suspect that you may have come in contact with poison ivy, remove all clothing and shoes, and immediately scrub your skin using brown or yellow laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha) and water or alcohol to remove the irritating oil. Lather several times and rinse in running water after each sudsing. This procedure is useless if not done within 10 minutes; after that time, the oil will have penetrated the skin and cannot be washed off. Wash clothing, gear, or pack material in plenty of hot, soapy water, with chlorine bleach added, if possible. Stubborn cases of poison ivy that do not respond to proper treatment are often due to repeated contact with contaminated clothing.
"Oak-N-Ivy Brand Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser" and "IvyStat", a dual-action poison ivy exfoliant and treatment in a two-step kit. For more information about these products:
Treat a mild case of poison ivy with one or more of the following:
- Apply compresses made with very hot plain water for brief intervals.
- Apply compresses soaked in diluted Burow's solution (use 1 pint to 15 pints of cool water). You can purchase Burow's solution at most drugstores or online at Post Apple Scientific: Burow's Solution.
- Soak the affected skin in cool water with colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) added, available from most drugstores such as Walgreens. Cool baths with powdered colloidal oatmeal can be extremely soothing.
- For relief of itching, apply a paste made from water, cornstarch, baking soda, oatmeal, or Epsom salts. Use 1 tablespoon of water to 3 tablespoons of the dry ingredient.
- Apply aloe vera juice, tofu, or watermelon rind to the area for cooling relief. Using 1 pint of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of sea salt added may be helpful.
- Use an herbal preparation suggested under HERBS below.
For a severe case of poison ivy, consult with your health care provider. Symptoms that warrant medical attention include an extensive rash that covers more than half of the body; extreme swelling and redness; and fever. You should also consult your health care provider if poison ivy occurs near the eyes, mouth, or genitals.
Stay cool. Sweating and heat can make itching worse.
Another suggestion I obtained from a midwife was an application of Basic H from Amway. It is used to dry up poison ivy. This is a liquid soap. She also recommended using a blow dryer waved over the skin set on hot to give relief from the itching.
HERBS
Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area can be helpful. It helps to relieve burning and itching. Apply pure aloe vera gel as directed on the product label or as needed. Plantain can also be applied topically to help control itching and promote healing.
A strong tea made of equal parts lime water and white oak bark is very good for poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Apply a compress wet with this solution. Replace the compress with a fresh one as it becomes dry.
The following herbs can be used topically as remedies for poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac:
- Black walnut extract/tincture, applied topically to the affected area. Black walnut has antiseptic properties and helps to fight infections.
- Bloodroot reduces swelling when applied topically to the affected area. Caution: Do not use bloodroot during pregnancy.
- Burdock juice from the leaf applied directly to the affected area.
- Echinacea promotes healing of skin wounds. Echinacea can be applied externally on the affected area and also be taken internally to boost the immune system.
- Goldenseal is good for skin inflammation. Caution: Use goldenseal with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
- Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic.
- Jewelweed is an excellent herb that helps to neutralize urushiol. Use it externally and apply it topically. You can also combine this with any herb that contains a significant amount of saponins such as Soapwort, Horse Chestnut, Licorice, or Rose Leaves. Please remember that these are for topical use only as saponins shouldn't be taken internally while pregnant or nursing, but are perfectly safe when used externally. Jewelweed is usually found within a 10 foot radius of poison ivy. Fresh juice when immediately applied is best. One way to keep jewelweed on hand for use, is to run it through a blender, and then make ice cubes with the juicy pulp, keep the cubes in a labeled bag for use in the spring when jewelweed may not be so readily available.
- Mugwort, apply fresh liquid to affected area.
- Mullein, juice from the leaf applied directly to the affected area. Mullein is usually found within a 10 foot radius of the poison ivy. Immediate application of juice this counteracting plant is best.
- Sweet Fern (Comptonia asplenifolia). Apply oil from the fern on the affected area, it seems to dissolve the oil of the ivy (again, the best effectiveness is achieved via using this plant as soon as possible after contacting the poison ivy).
- Yerba Santa fresh liquid applied to the affected area.
Here are some poison ivy remedies for pregnant women from Julie Elliott, Certified Family Herbalist:
- Homeopathics - Rhus tox - for poison ivy, Rhus diversiloba - for poison oak: 30c or 200c potency.
- Poison Oak/Ivy homeopathic combination - www.birthwithsol.com.
- The Book of Herbal Wisdom - by Matthew Wood, pg 524 - Use externally: Grindelia robusta - poultice; Oak - Quercus alba - decoction in bath; Sweet Leaf - Monarda fistulosa; Plantain - Plantago sp.; Solomon's Seal - Polygonatum multiflorum; Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis - use in vinegar.
- Lots of herbal remedies for poison ivy - www.lifebalm.com/page.cgi?ailments/poison_ivy.
- The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: MotherNature.com: Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, & Poison Sumac.
- Jewelweed - Impatiens canadensis - Touch-Me-Not: When the seed pods ripen in the fall, they explode at a mere touch, throwing their seeds into the air. It is found in wet, shady places and is easily identifiable by its bright, orange trumpet-shaped flowers. Jewelweed and Poison Ivy are usually found growing together. Jewelweed is high in - 2 methoxy-1, 4 naphthoquinone - a potent anti-inflammatory and fungicide. If you come in contact with Poison Ivy or Poison Oak and treat it immediately with Jewelweed, in most cases you will not break out in a rash. Poison Ivy rash may be treated by preparing a decoction of Jewelweed and either applying it directly to the skin, or pouring it into the bathwater. For more info on Jewelweed, see altnature.com/jewelweed.htm.
- Desertusa.com: Poison Ivy. Herbal medicines include a poultice made from the flowers and leaves of the gum plant (Grindelia robusta), the leaves of mules ears (Wyethia longicaulis), and boiled leaves of yerba santa (Eriodicyton sp.) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.).
- Poison Oak, Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettle - Whenever you feel the sting from poison oak, poison ivy or stinging nettle, there will be, within eyesight, one or more of the following herbs growing - mullein, hounds tongue, plantain or lilac leaves. Bruise the leaves of any of these and apply over the irritated areas and it generally gives quick relief. Use chickweed ointment, plantain ointment, or mullein ointment to relieve the itching and aid in neutralizing the poisons.
- Chickweed is one of Mother Nature's best anti-itch remedies! It is most effective when used fresh. It can be crushed and applied to the skin, or made into a decoction and applied as a fomentation, or the decoction can be added to bath water. It grows all over the place - you won't have to look to far to find it. Here are some photo links to help you identify this herb:
Chickweed photos - some species will still be flowering and some won't, so you may or may not see flowers.
- P&PDL Picture of the Week - Chickweed
- Henriette's Plant Photos: Stellaria Media (L.) Vill.
- Jarmo Holopainen Photos: Stellaria Media - This is a really up close shot - gives a good view of the leaf shape.
- AltNature: Chickweed - This gives a good view from the side. This site also gives a description of the traditional uses for chickweed. Note that at the bottom of the description it says: New research indicates it's use as an effective antihistamine....It can be applied as a medicinal poultice and will relieve any kind of roseola and is effective wherever there are fragile superficial veins or itching skin conditions. - This herb will effectively replace cortisone in many cases!
- www.cas.vanderbilt.edu: Stellaria Media - Excellent pictures! You can click on the picture to enlarge it for a super close view.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dosage to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12, reduce the dose to 1/2 the recommended amount. For a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Important Vitamin C 3,000-8,000 mg daily. To prevent infection and spreading of the rash. A natural antihistamine that reduces swelling. Helpful All-Purpose Bactericide Spray from Aerobic Life Industries Apply topically as directed on label. Destroys bacteria. Prevents spreading of the rash. Calamine Lotion Apply topically as directed on label. Contains calamine, phenol, and zinc oxide. Has drying properties for faster healing. Natureworks Marigold Ointment from Abkit
Or
Aloe VeraApply topically as directed on label. To help relieve itching. Poison Ivy/Oak Tablets from Hylands As directed on label. A homeopathic combination remedy for poison ivy. Shark cartilage (Benefin) 1 gram per 15 pounds of body weight daily, divided into 3 doses. Reduces inflammation. Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Needed for healing of skin tissue. Also boosts the immune system. Vitamin E oil
Or
CreamApply topically as directed on label. To aid in healing and prevent scarring. Zinc 80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Needed for repair of skin tissues. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption.
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
If hives or angioedema occur with any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider right away or call 911 and go to the emergency room for treatment:
- Dizziness
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face
If rash worsens with treatment, consult your health care provider for other options.
If you develop infection with your rash, consult your health care provider.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch
Helpful Links
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hives
