permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lflj@bellsouth.net>]

Poison Ivy, prevention & treatment information  (discussion thread 
compliation, downloadble file)
PoisonIvy-SanetThread.txt
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/documents/PoisonIvy-SanetThread.txt

Compilation of what's been posted so far in this thread:


From: Sean Albiston
-
Zanfel is amazing at cleaning up a poison ivy rash.  @ $50 an ounce though.


From: Claudia Rice
-
from http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/skin_poison.html
When an allergic reaction develops, the skin should be washed well with lukewarm water and soap. All clothing should be 
laundered, and everything else that may be contaminated with urushiol should be washed thoroughly. Urushiol can remain 
active for a long time.   (and can be transferred by pets, goats etc.)
For mild cases, cool showers and an over-the-counter product that eases itching can be effective. Oatmeal baths and 
baking-soda mixtures also can sooth the discomfort. When a severe reaction develops contact a dermatologist immediately, 
or go to an emergency room. Prescription medication may be needed to reduce the swelling and itch.>
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_ivy
<The reaction caused by poison ivy, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, is an allergic reaction. Around 15%[5] to 
30%[6] of people have no allergic response, but most people will become sensitized with repeated or more concentrated 
exposure to urushiol. Reactions can progress to anaphylaxis.>
Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal, so don't neglect a severe reaction!


From: Jennifer Chesworth
-
At the apple farm we found that the very best method of treatment is
oatmeal.  It's a bit messy of course, but it works in a day.  You put the
cooked oats directly on the infection and cover it with a bandana or
something.  You can also just soak the infected part in oats and water but
it works better to wear the goo around for a day.  Cheaper than goldenseal,
and it's not an endangered plant!


From: Charlotte Dion
-
The first thing to do if you've been working with poison ivy is to wash
exposed areas down with isopropyl alcohol or even cheap vodka to remove
the oils from your skin. Follow up with a good soapy wash and you should
be fine.  Should you have a breakout in a sensitive area (eyelids) first  put 
a
black tea bag compress on the afflicted area for a few minutes. Follow
with an application of either tincture or tea of chickweed, yarrow,
plantain...allowed to dry in place. Finally apply a thin coating of
locally gathered honey. It may itch but it should clear up in a day or
so...don't scratch!


From:    Owsley lucy
-
I use tea tree oil full strength out of the bottle. if you get it on
blister within 15 minutes of an out break it will dry them up in
under 15 minutes. If you put it on later than that it takes about 24
hours to clear it up. it stops the itching in seconds.
Jewel weed as mentioned is also very good and I have several good
stands emerging from the soil right now try to out compete the mint.


From:    Garth & Kim Travis
-
Dock is good as well.  Really gets rid of the whole thing in about 10
minutes.  Use the small, tender leaves and mush them with a morter and
pestle, if you have one.  Put the paste on and let it sit for 10
minutes, the poison ivy is gone.  Since dock is a weed and a problem
here, we use it for lots of dermatidal problems, it is great for that.


From:    Judy Moses
-
The poison ivy may have gone systemic in your body. Do see a doctor if it 
doesn't improve. My sister almost died from an
odd reaction later in life. It even broke out in her throat. Some people 
after repeated exposures will suddenly react
severely.


From:    John Perdew
-
Another good remedy for poison ivy (which I have used successfully) is called 
Tecnu, available over the counter at drug
stores.  It contains an ingredient that neutralizes the enzyme that causes 
itching and sores.  It is best to use it as
soon as possible after exposure (or before is even better!).


From:    Lawrence F. London, Jr.
-
Here's what to do for it:
aloe vera
goldenseal powder
jewelweed squeezed for its juice, pulp saved to mix with:
macerated comfrey; add and mix together all of the above and make wet 
compresses out of it; put on PI rashes and wrap
with gauze bandage. The jewelweed juice dries and creates a glossy layer on 
the skin, seals it off for healing, reduces
the itching and oozing, speeds drying up and healing of the rash.

From:    Lawrence F. London, Jr.
-
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/rural-skills/health-safety-welfare/faqs/
[   ] poison-ivy.faq                                      20-Apr-1998 13:10   
87K
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/rural-skills/health-safety-welfare/faqs/poison-ivy.faq
[   ] poison-oak-ivy.distilled-wisdom                     22-Jun-1994 23:27   
51K
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/rural-skills/health-safety-welfare/faqs/poison-oak-ivy.distilled-wisdom
[   ] poison-oak-ivy.faq                                  18-Apr-1995 22:29   
34K
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/rural-skills/health-safety-welfare/faqs/poison-oak-ivy.faq

From:    William Evans
-
 Before attacking a patch of PI to physically remove it, I would spray it
down w/ a 10% solution of sudsy ammonia to counteract the acidic urushiol.
Dressing up in a disposable tyvek jumpsuit is also highly advised, as well
as spraying your boots and gloves ( before and after) w/ the ammonia
solution.   Tape around glove/sleeve, and boot/pants "interface".
  Nitrile disposable gloves under a set of leather gloves is also advised.,
as well as eye protection, and cover  skin on your face, arms,  hands,
ankles/lower legs w/ "IVY BLOCK" before putting on protectinve clothing.