Conditions & Symptoms

Don’t Let Psoriasis Define You

Conditions & Symptoms ,

girl sitting on a bench

 

Imagine having to explain day in and day out that the big, red blotches of scaly skin on your arms and legs are not contagious, they’re called psoriasis. Although approximately 7.5 million people are living with psoriasis in the U.S., psoriasis can be hard to diagnose and is often mistaken for other skin conditions.

By definition, psoriasis is a chronic disease that develops when a person’s skin cells grow too fast, causing new skin cells to form in days rather than months, which results in the itchy, sore, red patches seen on the surface of the skin. As a result, many psoriasis patients find themselves avoiding the outdoors and social situations to reduce how often they need to explain what psoriasis is.

The impact of psoriasis on patients’ quality of life is frequently underestimated. In a recent study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, most dermatologists (63 percent) reported that psoriasis impacted patients’ daily activities and work, and 80 percent reported it affected their patients socially and emotionally.

Don’t let psoriasis define you or someone you know. Yes, living with psoriasis has some unique challenges; however, there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Whether you make changes in behavior (e.g., consuming less caffeine) or consider available treatment options (both over-the-counter and prescription), it is likely that you can achieve some relief for recurring and/or painful itch.

Research suggests that stress can also trigger specific immune factors associated with psoriasis flare-ups. Meditation, exercise and a good night’s sleep are great ways to manage stress levels, but don’t be afraid to also seek outside help. The National Psoriasis Foundation encourages patients to connect with other people living with psoriasis and or find a therapist in their area, if needed. Be sure to talk to your primary care physician or dermatologist about your symptoms and ways to effectively manage your psoriasis. For more information check out the “Manage My Itch”.

Sources:

National Psoriasis Foundation. Statistics.2015. https://www.psoriasis.org/cure_known_statistics.

National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. 2015. https://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis.

P.C.M. van de Kerkhof, et al. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Physician perspectives in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: results from the population-based Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis survey. 2015.

University of Maryland Medical Center. Psoriasis. 2015. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/psoriasis#ixzz3jndildRN 

National Psoriasis Foundation. Stress and psoriatic disease. 2015. https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/stress.

Photo by Rishi S

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What’s the Buzz?

Bug Bites

What’s the Buzz?

Summer flowers are in full bloom, which means humming birds, butterflies and bees are all getting their fill of nectar and pollen before autumn sets in. With all of the buzzing around the garden this summer, it should be noted that not all insects of the bee genus are created equal. Each serves a different purpose in our great ecosystem: some are pollinators while others are insect killers. These busy bees work all summer long to help maintain our gardens and allow them to flourish. But gardener beware, bee stings cannot only be painful; for some, their stings can be fatal. If you love spending time outdoors, there are four main types of bees and wasps that you should learn to identify so that you can reduce your risk of being stung.

Honeybees

honeybeeWhat They Are

Honeybees are essential to any flourishing garden and live in a complex social colony. Worker bees are asexual females who spend all spring and summer collecting nectar and pollen from flowers to build and protect their hive. Male bees, called drones, are spawned from unfertilized eggs and do not have stingers. There is only one queen bee per hive, and her sole function is to live in the hive and lay eggs, so that she can produce the next generation of female worker bees. If the queen dies, the worker bees will elect one female and feed her an axillar called “royal jelly,” which enables her to develop into a fertile queen.

Where They Live

Honeybees nest in protected areas like tree cavities, attics, or storage sheds. If aggravated, they will sting just once (unlike their fuzzier cousin the bumblebee, which can sting multiple times). When a honeybee stings, its barbed stinger is ripped from its body, killing it.

 Reduce Your Risk

To prevent your home from becoming a honeybee sanctuary, seal all openings where pipes and wires enter your home and fill in gaps on your siding. If you spot a swarm, call a local beekeeper to wrangle them out. Honeybees are endangered due to a parasite outbreak and exposure to harmful insecticides. It is estimated that the US has fewer honeybees than it has ever had, and the UK and Europe have seen their honeybee population drop by 50 percent in the past 25 years. So, it is best that a proper beekeeper remove your nest.

Carpenter Bees

carp-beesWhat They Are

Carpenter bees are large, robust insects resembling their cousin, the bumblebee. They are usually about one inch long and are yellow with shiny, blue-black bodies. Males have golden or buff colored bodies and spotted black-and-white heads. Carpenter bees are solitary bees. They do not form colonies, rather choosing to cohabitate with their mothers and daughters. There is often a division of labor between the family hive, where one set of the females will forage for food by gathering pollen and nectar, while the others stand guard in the nest. As the females work to build the nest and find food, males lurk around looking menacing. Males can be aggressive, but it is generally just for show because they cannot sting. Only female carpenter bees have a stinger.

Where They Live

Carpenter bees are known for their ability to bore perfectly round holes into wood. They are often found in eaves and beneath decks. Their nests can cosmetically damage the wood, but they will not cause structural damage.

Reduce Your Risk

Carpenter bees prefer untreated wood, so it is best to paint or stain your wood decks or any exterior wood on your house. If you discover a sprinkling of sawdust near your house, it could be an indication that you have an infestation. If you believe you have a carpenter bee hangout, call an exterminator to remove the nest.

Yellow Jackets

yellow-jacketWhat They Are

“Yellow jacket” is the common North American name for wasp. These insects can be mistaken for honeybees since they are similar in shape and color, but unlike honeybees, yellow jackets do not have hairy arms or legs and do not carry pollen. Yellow jackets are aggressive and feed on caterpillars, spiders, other bees and sugary carbohydrates, which is why you often see them hanging around trashcans and backyard barbecues.

Where They Live

Yellow jackets tend to build nests in small crevices in the ground or in rotted out trees. Wasps build their nests out of a paper-like fiber made from chewed wood and their saliva.

Reduce Your Risk

Yellow jackets are sensitive. Just walking by a nest may provoke an attack. And, the sounds and vibrations emitted from a lawn mower can really set them off. Before you decide to tackle a new landscaping project or even mow the lawn, you should survey your property carefully. If you find a nest, call a professional. Do not try to remove the nest yourself.

Hornets

hornetWhat They Are

Hornets are in the wasp family and survive on other insects and food scraps. Worker hornets are females and defend their hives with their potent stingers. Hornets will not attack a human unless they feel that their nest is threatened. Hornet stings are more painful than other wasps because their venom contains acetylcholine, which attacks the nervous system. Stings from hornets can be fatal if a person has an allergic reaction to the venom and goes into anaphylactic shock.

Where They Live

Hornets like to live in rotted out wood and build a papery nest similar to yellow jackets. They can be found in trees, under eaves and decks.

Reduce Your Risk

If you discover a hornets’ nest on your property, get a professional to remove it. Hornets love rotted wood so make sure your wood has been treated or remove it. They also like to feed on food scraps, so you should make sure your garbage cans are tightly secured.

How to treat stings

  1. Move to a safe area to avoid additional stings.
  2. Remove the stinger if it is stuck in your skin. Do not remove the stinger with tweezers as this may push it further into your skin. One way to remove the stinger if it is close to the surface is to use the edge of a credit card and slide the skin downward, so that the entire stinger is exposed and can be easily removed.
  3. Apply an anti-itch cream to soothe the skin and stop the itch.
  4. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.

Most stings will cause a raised welt in the infected area that can be itchy and tender.

If you experience the following severe symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Low blood pressure

 

Photo credits
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=b8e79170-6c1d-42af-bb97-b4823795bafb
http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/2010/04/carpenter-bees.html
http://www.dereila.ca/whispers/one.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/6049302/Tourists-warned-as-Asian-hornets-terrorise-French.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9296695/Garden-flowers-evolved-velcro-petals-to-help-bees-cling-on.html

[1] http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/honeybee/

 

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What Bit Me?

Bug Bites

What Bit Me?

Ever wonder if that itchy insect bite was actually from a mosquito? Having the ability to properly identify the symptoms of different insect bites cannot only change how you treat the bite, but can be lifesaving if you experience a serious allergic reaction.

Below are descriptions of and treatments for the bites and stings of the most common creepy crawlers you may find buzzing about on your next outdoor adventure.

Mosquito

There are more than 3,000 mosquito species found worldwide. Mosquito habitats differ depending on the type of mosquito and its location, but generally mosquitoes tend to stay close to stagnant or transient water sources such as melted snow pools or flooded ditches. They also like to breed near marshes, woodlands and fresh water swamps that have thick brush and wet or muddy grounds.

Symptoms: A soft pink or red welt with intense itching in a localized area. Bites can be small or grow to be the size of a quarter depending upon the individual’s allergic reaction.

Treatments: Wash the area with soap and water and use a cold compress to reduce the itching and swelling. Use TriCalm to alleviate the itch as often as needed. If swelling becomes painful, take an antihistamine, like Benadryl®. Avoid intense scratching. Breaking the skin can lead to scarring or a more serious skin infection.

Warning Signs: Mosquitoes are a common carrier of other known viruses such as malaria and West Nile. If you are experiencing a fever, head and body aches, vomiting or other flu-like symptoms three to 14 days after you have been bitten, seek immediate medical attention.

Fire ant

Fire ants, or stinging ants, like dry sunny areas and can be found in pastures, parks, lawns, meadows and crop fields. They live together and build anthills or mounds that can be found near rotted logs, stumps of trees, or underneath buildings.

Symptoms: Red, itchy, stinging bumps that turn into white, fluid-filled blisters.

Treatments: Clean the bites with soap and water. To stop the itching, apply TriCalm as often as needed. If you are experiencing swelling, redness, pain or a fever you may have a secondary skin infection and should seek medical attention.

Warning Signs: Some people may develop the symptoms of anaphylactic shock; consisting of swelling of the throat, and tongue, difficulty breathing, or nausea. If you develop these symptoms call 911.

Horse and deer flies

Horse or deer flies are blood sucking insects that can range in size from three-fourths inch to 1 ¼ inch. These flies are attracted to warmth, movement and shiny objects. Horse and deer flies can be found on beaches, near lakes, streams, ponds, dirt roads, and wooded areas.

Symptoms: Immediate pain at the site of the bite, with a red, itchy bump or welt.

Treatments: Wash the bite with soap and water and apply ice or a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time. To relieve the pain and itching, apply TriCalm as often as needed. Avoid intense scratching so you do not break the skin and cause a secondary skin infection.

Warning Signs: Bites from horse flies and deer flies can cause bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your doctor.

Spiders

The most dangerous and painful spider bites are from Brown Recluse spiders and Black Widows. These spiders tend to live in dry, dark areas such as sheds or garages. Brown Recluse spiders are found in desert climates in Texas, Arizona and California. Black Widows are found all over North America, but are most common in the South.

Symptoms: Bites can range from pimple-like bumps to large quarter-size welts. The pain from the venom can also spread to the nearby muscles causing cramps, chest pain and nausea.

Treatment: For intense pain you may want to take an acetaminophen (Tylenol®), and use TriCalm to relieve itching and pain at the site of the bite.

Warning Signs: If possible, kill the spider and place it in a plastic bag, so that your doctor can identify whether the spider is poisonous. Spider bites can also cause MRSA (staph infection), which, if not treated can be fatal. Black Widow or Brown Recluse spider bites can cause severe reactions such as failure of the renal or nervous system and even death in small children.

Bee or Wasp

Although they look similar, bees and wasps live extremely different lives. Bees are pollinators whose life work is to move from flower to flower and bring pollen back to their beehive colony so they can produce honey. Wasps are predators who live off rotted wood for nourishment and produce a paper-like nest made from chewed wood pulp, mud and twigs. Wasps tend to hideout in dark, dry places like attics or under homes in order to protect their thinly constructed nests. Unlike bees, wasps are easily provoked. When a wasp feels they are in danger, it will attack, releasing a pheromone that alerts its family members, who will then seek revenge on the intruder.

Symptoms: A red welt on the skin with intense stinging pain, and itching, light-headedness, swelling and hives.

Treatments: Gently remove the stinger by scraping the surface of the skin with a credit card (tweezers may push the stinger further into the skin). Clean the skin with soap and water. Anti-inflammatories (Advil®) will help reduce the pain and swelling in the area. Use TriCalm as often as needed to relieve itching and burning pain.

 

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Bug Repellent Explained

Bug Bites

Bug Repellent Explained

Many people suffer from painful allergic reactions from insect bites. If you live near fresh or stagnant water or in places with high humidity, insect bites are a common summertime concern. Bug repellent has been a controversial topic over the years due to the active ingredient DEET (chemical name N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) that is found in many insect repellent products. In 1998, the EPA reported their findings after a comprehensive study of bug repellents containing DEET. They concluded that as long as consumers followed the drug label directions, DEET does not present a health concern.

Based on their extensive testing, the EPA believes the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general public, however they do not recommend using products containing DEET in the following cases:

  • On newborns
  • On open wounds or irritated skin
  • Near the hands, eyes or mouth of young children
  • Directly on to face

They also recommend to avoid using products containing DEET under clothing, and to avoid over-application. Upon returning indoors, the EPA recommends washing your body and clothing thoroughly after using bug repellents containing DEET.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that insect repellents containing DEET are safe to use on children as young as two months old. Products containing lemon or eucalyptus oil should not be used on children younger than three.

Choosing the right wardrobe is an essential tool for avoiding bug bites. First, avoid bright or dark-colored clothing. Wear earthy shades, which help you blend in to the outdoor landscape. Try to keep yourself covered by wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants and long socks whenever possible. Leave perfume, cologne, heavily scented shampoos and other strong-smelling products at home. In general, if you also wear the right clothes, bugs will have to work harder if they can’t smell or see your skin.

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How to Protect Your Children From Bug Bites This Summer

Bug Bites

How to Protect Your Children From Bug Bites This Summer

bug-bites-childrenChildren & Bug Bites

Spring and summer are around the corner, and if you have kids you know what that means—more daylight hours, so more time outdoors and more bug bites! The most common bug bites are from fleas, mosquitoes, wasps and bees. Most bug bites result in mild, local reactions like a small, itchy, swollen welt. If your child is allergic to bug bites, these welts can turn into swollen lesions that are painful to touch and keep them (and you) up all night.

Children are more sensitive to bug bites than adults, which means your child is more susceptible to skin infections related to bug bites. The outer layer of your child’s skin is thinner and therefore less resilient than adult skin. Some bug bites can cause bacterial infections, such as impetigo, a superficial infection of the skin characterized by yellow, crusted lesions. Impetigo is highly contagious and can be rapidly spread among children. Treatment for impetigo includes the use of topical or oral antibiotics. Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child experiences any signs of an allergic reaction or infection.

How to protect and treat bug bites on children

Children’s skin both absorbs and loses moisture more quickly than adult skin, so external irritants penetrate children’s skin more easily. Due to the sensitive nature of a child’s skin, people who prefer insect repellant and anti-itch products made with natural ingredients should consider steroid-free TriCalm hydrogel. If a natural repellent is unavailable, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children more than two months of age use a repellent with 10 to 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Read more about DEET.

To protect you and your family, here are some easy tips for bug bite prevention:

Designate “no playing zones.”  Bugs are most commonly found in wooded or overgrown places where there’s usually a large amount of leaf litter, thick weeds or high grass. Keep your grass mowed and weeds to a minimum. Fence in your yard and move children’s play areas far away from overgrown habitats.

Dress your children in light-colored protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and a head covering protect against pests such as fleas and ticks. Light colored clothing also helps you identify pests in order to remove them.

Avoid lathering your children with scented soaps. Perfumes, lotions, oils or other fragrant cosmetics attract bugs and make your child live bait when spending time outdoors.

Thoroughly clean and sanitize pet bedding. If your pet spends time indoors and out, protect your family by vacuuming and washing your pet’s bedding weekly.

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Dos and Don’ts of Childhood Eczema

Dos and Don’ts of Childhood Eczema

Conditions & Symptoms, Eczema, Manage My Itch, Managing Acute and Chronic Itch, Sidebar Feature , ,

If you have a child with eczema (or atopic dermatitis), then you know how difficult it is to weed through all of the advice and old wives tales on how to stop the relentless itching and painful flare-ups. From bleach baths to taping socks on your child’s hands; family, friends and the Internet offer a plethora of “treatments” that are said to cure your child’s eczema. Parents desperate to help their child will try almost anything, but some of the advice is just plain wrong and can actually worsen your child’s skin conditions. So, what is a parent to do?

First and foremost, parents need to understand what causes eczema flare-ups and learn how to prevent them. Many children will experience reactions when the weather changes, especially when the seasons change from being hot and humid to cold and dry. Winter clothing can also worsen the condition. Wool or polyester clothing trap in air causing the skin to overheat and become sensitive. Certain bath soaps, detergents, and even foods can all be contributing factors to your child’s eczema outbreaks. It may take some detective work, but understanding the factors that cause flare-ups can be the key to controlling them.

To help protect a child from flare-ups avoid activities that lead to dry skin. You may want to alter your child’s bath schedule from everyday to every other day and shorten bath time. When you bathe you lose a lot of moisture especially if the water is hot. It is best to take quick baths (10 minutes) in lukewarm water, and immediately afterwards apply a thick moisturizer.

Applying TriCalm on the skin after you apply the moisturizer will help stop the itch. If the skin is open or abraded, TriCalm will sting momentarily, but the stinging sensation should dissipate quickly. Most people generally feel relief between two and 12 hours with TriCalm, but because TriCalm is steroid-free, you can apply it to your child’s skin as often as needed. TriCalm can be used on children 2 and older.

Here is a quick list of do’s and don’ts if you have a child suffering from eczema.

Do

  • Do follow the advice of your dermatologist or pediatrician.
  • Do follow a daily skin care routine.
  • Do keep a record of eczema flare-ups.
  • Do bathe in lukewarm water.
  • Do use a humidifier in the house.
  • Do apply a think moisturizer.
  • Do use an anti-itch cream or gel to soothe skin

 

Don’ts

  • Don’t scratch.
  • Don’t rub the skin dry after a swim or bath. Just pat the skin with a soft towel.
  • Don’t wear wool, nylon or heavy synthetic fabrics.
  • Don’t use petroleum jelly unless it is used immediately after a bath or shower.
  • Don’t wear pajamas or clothing that causes excessive sweating.
  • Don’t use harsh detergents for clothes or bedding.

 

Sources:

http://www.eczemacanada.ca/en/Tutorials/Dos-and-Donts

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/conditions/a/eczema_kids.htm

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby-eczema-questions-answers

http://www.nationaleczema.org/

 

 

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Skin Tip

Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Winter Itch

Conditions & Symptoms ,

Winter Itch

Why Winter Brings Itch (and How to Prevent It!)

Every winter, we bundle up in warm clothes and brave Cool temperatures, low humidity, and furnace-blasted dry air can leave your skin dry, flaky, and itchy. Everyone needs to protect his or her skin from drying out in winter, but if you have certain skin conditions, you should step up your routine to keep your skin healthy.

“Winter itch is a common name for the skin symptom of generalized itching in winter. While most commonly seen in the elderly and those with a history of asthma, allergies and eczema, anyone can experience winter itch,” says Dr. Vishakha Gigler, a board certified dermatologist.

With that in mind, here are a few steps everyone can take to prevent and relieve dry itchy skin in wintry weather:

  • Avoid irritants: Try to avoid products that can irritate your skin such a fragrance, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners. Use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and wear soft fabrics such as cotton.
  • Add humidity to your home and office: Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture into the air that will be absorbed naturally by your skin and hair.
  • Wear sunscreen:Sunscreen may make you think of the beach, but it’s important in winter, too. Be sure to apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays before heading outdoors. Look for sunscreens with hyaluronic acid in them.
  • Moisturize after showering: The most important thing with regards to bathing is what you do right after. Pat your skin dry with a towel and then apply a thick moisturizer to your skin. Apply in the morning and at night.
  • Alleviate winter itch: To alleviate itch safely and effectively, toss a topical treatment into your bag for the day. A topical non steroid-based treatment providing fast itch relief is one option, and will help you avoid side effects like skin thinning, stretch marks, increased bruising and enlarged blood vessels.
  • Protect against windburn: When heading outside on cold days, avoid windburn and prolonged exposure by wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves.
  • Eat right: Stock up on foods with lots of healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flax, sardines, and avocados. These foods promote good skin health.
  • Hand care: The skin on your hands is thinner than most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

With the proper skin care regimen, you will keep your skin smooth, healthy and itch-free. Stay warm out there!

 

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Senior Itch

Conditions & Symptoms ,

Senior Itch

Older, Wiser and Scratchier: The “Senior Itch”

If you (or your loved ones) have been plagued by progressively itchy skin as you get older, you may be wondering — what gives?

Well, it’s a fact of life that your skin’s propensity for dryness increases along with your age, and this dryness is the main culprit of the so-called “senior itch.” Age-induced dryness is most often caused by your skin’s tendency to become thinner, more fragile and less elastic as you age. What’s more, as the years wear on, your body’s natural oil-producing glands gradually lose their ability to moisturize the skin as effectively. The result? Dry, flaky, scaly, rough, itchy skin.

While many seniors are affected by the “senior itch,” it’s possible to alleviate dryness and assuage overall itch by following these easy, everyday tips:

  • Apply a thick moisturizer within three minutes of taking a bath or shower
  • Wear lightweight cotton and natural fiber clothing; avoid wool clothing
  • Ensure adequate hydration throughout the day
  • Avoid waterless antibacterial cleansers (they contain alcohol, which only exacerbates dryness)
  • Avoid abrasive soaps and detergents
  • Limit sun exposure to the sun

Of course, in more severe cases of the senior itch, over-the-counter and prescription medications may be needed – scheduling a quick consult with your doctor is usually the best place to start.

 

References: Today’s Geriatric Medicine

 

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Psoriasis

Conditions & Symptoms ,

Psoriasis

Chronic Itch: Could it be Psoriasis?

Sometimes, an itch is caused by a temporary irritant – a pesky mosquito, an unseen patch of poison ivy, a painful sunburn. Sometimes, the cause is a bit more permanent – like psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, flakey, scaly patches.

Chances are, you know someone affected by psoriasis. It affects an estimated 125 million people worldwide — that’s about 2 to 3 percent of the total population!

But, even though so many people are living with psoriasis, the disease is often misunderstood. So let’s take a few minutes to lay out the basic facts…

  • Psoriasis is common skin condition that spurs the growth of skin cells, causing them to rapidly accumulate on the skin’s surface.
  • These extra cells create thick, silvery scales and dry, red patches that are usually itchy and sometimes painful.
  • Psoriasis is a chronic, often cyclical, disease. That means there may be periods where psoriasis symptoms improve, along with periods where they worsen.
  • The cause of psoriasis isn’t fully known, but modern science classifies it as a type of glitch in the immune system.
  • Psoriasis is NOT contagious, but is thought to be genetically linked.

While there’s no known cure for psoriasis, treatment options (both over-the-counter and prescription) can help slow skin cell growth, improve symptoms and offer significant itching relief. If you’re plagued by a long-lasting, recurring and/or painful itch, considering speaking with your doc to determine if psoriasis may be the culprit.

 

References: National Psoriasis Foundation/Statistics; MayoClinic/Psoriasis

 

 

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Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac

Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac

Conditions & Symptoms , , , ,

Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac

What does a poison ivy, oak or sumac rash look like?

When your skin is exposed to poison ivy/oak or poison sumac your body develops an allergic reaction from the oil (urushiol) residue that is found on the leaves of all three plants. This reaction generally produces a rash with red bumps and blisters that are itchy and sensitive to touch. The rash will often form a linear pattern (as do many rashes that are caused by plants), and usually appears eight to 48 hours after initial exposure.

Although many people believe poison ivy, oak and sumac are contagious and can be spread all over the body, the truth is the rash is not contagious, nor will it invade uninfected areas.  Once the oil touches your skin, the oil is bound to that specific area and can no longer be transferred.  The rash may appear to have spread since some areas of the body tend to develop symptoms faster than others, but generally the rash appears in different areas of the body because the oil was transferred from clothing, animal fur, backpacks or gardening tools.

It is also important to know that inhaling the smoke from burning poison ivy/oak or poison sumac can lead to inflammation of the lungs.

Treatment

Before I begin with the treatment, I must note that you should get immediate medical care if you have:

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling, especially of the eyelid
  • A rash covering most of your body
  • A rash involving your genitals or face

Now, here is my advice for treating reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac.

First, try to remove the oil from your skin with rubbing alcohol. While most of us do not carry a bottle of rubbing alcohol around with us, a good trick is to wash the area off with hand sanitizer since it is usually alcohol-based. There are many over-the-counter poison ivy/oak/sumac products that can help remove the oil, but if you are in the middle of the woods hand sanitizer should do the trick!

After you attempt to remove the oil with an alcohol-based product, wash the area with soap and water.  Then apply a wet, cold compress to the exposed areas. This will help with the inflammation. Next, wash all of the clothing and items you were wearing including backpacks, shoes, socks, etc. that may have had contact with the plant.

Once the rash and/or itching develops, use an anti-itch cream to relieve the itch. Although the rash is itchy, scratching the skin can lead to harmful bacterial infections.

If the rash is more severe, you should see your doctor. Depending on the severity of your reaction your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream, pill, or injection.

How long do the symptoms last?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac symptoms can last anywhere from one week to one month.

Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen after you stop treatment. This may mean that you need a longer treatment plan.

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