Q: How can I make poison ivy stop itching?

Answer:

Poison ivy is a plant that grows in the woods, and often in your yard. It is a vine that makes an oil many people are allergic to if it touches their skin. When that happens, an itchy rash with little blisters appears, and can last for up to two weeks! Your body sees the oil from the plant as something harmful and reacts to it by releasing a chemical called histamine. That reaction is what makes you itch.

The most important thing to know about poison ivy is to stay away from it. “Leaves of three, beware of thee…” is an old saying. The plant grows out of the ground or climbs into trees in clumps of three shiny green leaves. The stems and roots can be even more irritating, so don’t try to pull them up with your bare hands. When you go out to play in the woods or grass, keep covered with long pants and sleeves, and pull your socks up over your pant legs. This not only stops poison ivy, but ticks, too!

When you come inside, be careful not to touch anything that touched the plant, including the outside of your clothes. Take a shower and wash the clothes and towels in hot, soapy water. Otherwise, when you get in bed tonight, it can get on your sheets and spread. Remember, if you have a dog or cat that likes to play outdoors, they can get the oil on their fur and bring it in to share!

If you do get a rash, DON’T Scratch! It can get infected. Ask your parents for some caladryl or calamine lotion, or maybe some benadryl medicine if the doctor says it’s okay. Keep the rash clean and dry. And next time, remember to stay away from those leaves.

Meg Douglass, RN, MSN, Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner

Activities:

Survey It!

Ask your classmates to think of things that might cause them to itch (mosquito bites, for instance). List all the ideas on a sheet of paper. Have a classroom discussion about ways to avoid or protect yourself from those things that cause you to itch.

Ask your teacher to help find a photograph of poison ivy so that you will be familiar with the way it looks.