Reflections on Poison Ivy
The past days, I've been suffering from an accute case of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis - a.k.a., poison ivy. I haven't had poison ivy since I was a kid. And, I'm remembering now that I get poison ivy really bad. It's spread all over my arm like some Biblical plague, so I'll spare you the details, but it's generally disgusting. I'm pretty sure that I got it from our dog because I'm usually not one for rolling around in strange, leafy pastures. Regardless, we've been trying various home remedies like Calamine lotion or rubbing it with old fashioned laundry soap. Nothing's working so far.The episode has piqued my interested on how it all works. Apparently, the oil from the plant doesn't cause the reaction per se. The oil called urushoil bonds with your skin, and once bound your immune system treats the skin as a foreign agent and attacks - hence the oozy mess. Oh, Toxicodendron radicans...what did I ever do to you?!?
posted by Kevin C @ 6:06 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I got it bad this summer too. Really, nothing helps... The only thing that gave me temporary releif when I was going to scratch my legs off was cold packs. It takes the edge off long enough to stop screaming. :)
My grandma had a remedy for poison Ivy that you could try. My mom swears it works. Just get a large bowl and mix eggs (2), vinegar (1/2 cup), pickle juice (1 tbsp), and ketchup (or tomato paste)(2 cups). Mix it all up and pour over the effect area and let it set for maybe 2-4 hours. It will be gone before you know it!
kevin, if you are brave enough to try this, let us know if it works. :) in the meantime, remember that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.... so really, this is meant to help you hope.... ? sorry, just trying to find a silver lining. i hope you stop itching soon.
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