Poison Oak/Poison Ivy

Definition

Poison oak and poison ivy are allergic skin conditions caused by contact with the oils from the flowers, leaves, or stems of the plants poison oak, ivy, sumac, ragweed, and primrose.

Symptoms
Symptoms include itching, discomfort, rash and blisters. In severe cases, symptoms include fatigue, sleep disorders, and bleeding.

Cause
Poison Oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac all grow naturally on their own. Poison oak and ivy both grow as weeds or bushes while poison sumac grows as a vine. When spending time near any of these plants, avoid skin contact by wearing long sleeves or pants. Immediately wash any clothing that is exposed to the plants, or you risk re-contaminating yourself.

Individuals who are sensitive to these plants do not need to have direct contact with them in order to become infected. Outdoor pets might run through a patch of plants, and become carriers of the poison. The oil on their fur is not visible to the naked eye and it is easily passed on to the owner.

Extreme Caution: In severe cases, an individual may experience trouble breathing. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention. Avoid very hot baths or showers as this may exacerbate symptoms and cause the breakout to spread.
Natural Cures

Flower Essences: Save Remedy Cream® applied topically, and crab apple mixed with purified water.

Herbs: Apply equal parts of witch hazel, mugwort, white oak bark, and plantain to affected areas.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplementation: At the first indication of an outbreak, take the following nutrients to reduce symptoms: Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Zinc oxide can also be used topically.

Topical Treatment: Rinse affected area with apple cider vinegar, and take a warm shower with apple cider vinegar treatment or cornstarch. Aloe vera carbamide peroxide gel, witch hazel, baking soda paste, or a charcoal paste may all speed healing.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of the qualified medical expert. The following expert therapies have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful in treating poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac: Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Chelation Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Homeopathy, Permanent magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, and Chinese Medicine. (See References for descriptions of these optional therapies.)