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Joined: Oct 2000
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(I suppose this fits in this area somehow) What are the facts about Poison Ivy and similar? (Poison Sumac etc). I've heard that the (infection?) spreads from the inside of your body after the initial contact and spread caused by scratching, etc. Is there anything you can do to combat it once it's in your system? What is the fastest way to get rid of it? Bill
Bill
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Bill did you go someplace you shouldn't have?
I have only got it once and I found some products that eased the itch but does not speed recovery.
Washing right away if you know you contacted it is the only thing I have heard that helps.
I can tell you if you burn it that can be very bad, One of my nephews was helping with spring clean up and burning, he ended up in the hospital as he got it in his lungs throat and mouth.
I am sure the severity depends on the person, but for him it was a big deal.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Bob, I replaced a Fence in my back yard last weekend, and needed to clear/thin out some overgrown bushes etc. I didn't have any indication I had contacted anything until mid-week. I really only see it in 1 small area and have tried not to scratch it. I do get that itchy feeling though in many other places. One time when I was about 10 I had it so bad on my hands (between fingers, etc.) that I had to soak them in this Brown stuff every day and none of the kids were allowed to play with me for weeks. It seemed I could get infected by just walking near the plants. But as an Adult contact hasn't been much of a issue, I'm sure I've touched it many times, but not too many skin eruptions. The most annoying part is that it seems like I can feel it in my system. (or is that in my mind?) Bill
Bill
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As a country boy, I can tell you it's mean stuff for some. Best remedy I've found is Calimine Lotion.As Bob says, most products only relieve the symtoms.
I,ve also found over the counter antihistamines to help with the itch. As a teenager,I worked for a logging/pulpwood outfit in the summers,and it was a frequent occurance for me. As my dear Mother would say " Don't scratch it!"
Russell
[This message has been edited by ga.sparky56 (edited 05-03-2003).]
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Joined: Aug 2002
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I'd like to add that it helps to be able to recognize poison ivy/oak/sumac and thus hopefully avoid contact. Here's a site with plenty of photos. Just don't touch your screen while looking at them http://poisonivy.aesir.com/
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Joined: Oct 2000
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TG, Some interesting reading there. A lot of Home Remedies listed. Nice to know I could use Miracle Whip in a pinch to stop the itching. I saw an interesting Fact listed: >>Poison Ivy coined by Captain John Smith in 1609. (Word is that he's on my Family Tree) Bill
Bill
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Sorry to hear about your brush with the itchy stuff, Bill. Poison Ivy isn't native to the British Isles, so maybe the long-term answer is to emigrate! I've had some bad brushes with nettles from time to time, but at least the stings from those wear off in a few hours.
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Paul, Maybe you're right. I didn't realize how potent the oils were. 1/4 ounce of urushiol is all that is needed to cause a rash in every person on earth 1 to 5 years is normal for urushiol oil to stay active on any surface including dead plants That's some really Nasty stuff. I think I'll wear gloves any time I do anything in the yard from now on. Or maybe I just won't go out there ... Bill
Bill
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Nice to know I could use Miracle Whip in a pinch to stop the itching. Was there any mention of Windex?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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TG, No Windex (is that from the Greek Wedding Movie?) They did mention Pine Sol and 409 though... One person even scratches the stuff open with Pine Sol in the Bath water. hmmm Bill
Bill
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HCE727
Delaware County, PA, USA
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