Causes and risk factors
The rash or the skin reaction is caused due the oil or resin produced by the plant. When person comes in contact with the oil or repeated exposure to the plant can lead to the allergic response. Contact with any part of the plant such as berries, leaves, roots, stem causes the rash. Individuals, who are susceptible, show immunological reaction. Touching the objects which are in contact with the plants such as gardening tools, clothing, animal fur etc lead to the skin rash.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with redness of skin, swelling, itching. Small bumps or raised skin patches [hives] develop. The eruption turns into blisters. There may be intense itching of blisters. Blisters may leak fluid. Some patients may show severe reaction like redness and watering of eyes, swelling around eyes and lips, running nose, sneezing, difficult breathing. Symptoms decline by two to three weeks.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the dermatologist helps in diagnosis. Blood test for checking the sensitivity to the plant is done. A skin test may be performed to elicit poison ivy rash.
Treatment
Treatment involves avoiding contact with the plant. Antihistaminic drugs may help in mild reactions. In case of severe reaction, injectable adrenaline, oxygen, corticosteroids will be recommended.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating poison ivy rash. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating poison ivy rash.
