I got poison ivy and i was wondering if i could cover it up?

Question

I think im starting to get poison ivy and im very allergic to it. can i cover it up with gauze and tap to prevent it from spreading? or should i let it breath? and doctors in the house? lol

Answer 1

The actual rash, and even fluid that oozes from blisters, does not spread it.  Only the oil from the plant will cause the rash.  The reason people think it spreads is because thinner skin (and skin that gets a higher dose of the oil) will break out sooner than thicker skin or skin that gets lesser amounts of the oil.  Also people can get more oil on them later if they don't wash items such as clothes, shoes, pets, etc. that were also contaminated with the poison ivy oil.  The best thing to do is wash in shower (not a bath) with a grease-dissolving soap (such as Dawn dish soap) to rinse off the oil.  Also wash anything that may have come into contact with the plants.  I wouldn't cover it up unless you find it impossible to keep from scratching it.  I've had it numerous times, in fact I have several spots on my arm now given to me, i believe, from my little chihuahua exploring in the weeds.  I've found the best itch relief is to run hot water over the rash.  It seems to stop the histamine reaction.  But don't do this if you have open sores or large weeping blisters.

Answer 2

try applying milk to the affected are

there are also creams that can help that.

http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view

Answer 3

I always got poison ivy. i don't think you're supposed to cover it. My uncle once told me if you eat it, you'll be immune to it after that. I was only 7 yrs old and did what he  said.. After I got out of the hospital two months later, I never went near  it again. I hate my uncle!

Answer 4

am the 'queen of Poison Ivy'. Anything you want to know, I can tell you...

1st, it is a myth that the oozing will spread the PI. PI is spread by direct contact with Urushiol oil which is the toxic that is found in PI plants. It can stay 'active' for up to 1 year or so, on clothing, shoes, etc... You can not get PI on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands either. You can also get PI any time of the year. Just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean anything. The vine, although dormant, still contains the oil, and at much higher levels than the leaves.

If you think you've gotten into a patch, wash with COLD water and soap. Never use warm or hot water, this will cause your pores to open, and allow more of the Urushiol into your skin. Also, as bad as it is, try not to cover the blisters. This will just keep the skin damp, and not allow the fluids to drain, and hence dry out.

Once you get PI, there is no way to stop it. It has to run its course - usually 2-4 weeks. It is unpleasant, but there is not much you can do about it. Try using an OTC antihistamine to stop the itch.

If it is very bad, go to your Dr. They will give you a prescription for pred, and possibly a topical cream or tape to cover the area.

When I get PI, I've become very allergic to it, so I'm usually on pred for 1 month or more, and have the oozing blisters for 6-8 weeks.

Once you get PI, your reactions become stronger and stronger to it. Unlike most things, you don't build up an immunity to it.

Good luck!