Poison Ivy Cream

An experience with poison ivy is very uncomfortable and so much itchy; in rare cases, it may lead to life threatening conditions. What more is finding the treatment when you are in this kind of rash is somewhat critical.
One of the remedies for poison ivy is through applying a poison ivy cream. Most of the creams in the market contain cortisone; this helps reduce the swelling and itching at the same time speeding up the process of skin healing. An effective treatment that will work immediately, after exposure even before the oil soaks right through your skin and develop ashes, is the Zanfel cream. The function of some poison ivy creams is to act as barriers to the oil that may cause the skin to get irritated. Applying this will also minimize the poison ivy symptoms if you had contact. When you are planning to go out into places where there are likely to have encounter with the avoided plant, better spread these creams.
A poison ivy cream could be prescribed by the doctor if the rashes and swelling will severe. In one of the worst cases, the doctor may prescribe a steroid poison ivy cream. This will speed up the death of damaged cells and enhances replacement. Thus, the rashes are eradicated while healthier skin layer takes its place. No matter what poison ivy cream your doctor has prescribed, remember that it must only be used as it was directed. Some creams are too strong that is why only the doctor can prescribe it. Again, follow what was instructed by your doctor. Too often use of the creams especially in greater amounts will cause graver problems than what the poison ivy had caused.
A poison ivy cream can also be available over the counter but this can be in a weaker form. A stronger cream is hydrocortisone cream which may be bought over the counter or be prescribed by the doctor. Its potent ingredient stops itching and helps the skin heal quickly. Another good topical agent is Benadryl cream also relieves itching, soothes the effected skin, and stops any inflammation. Calamine lotion, just like creams, is also effective in alleviating the itchiness. However, you have to bear the pink skin during the treatment.
The best approach so far is prevention. You do not want to suffer all those awful skin rashes and blisters, do you? As mentioned above, there are creams that can be used as precaution before treading places where poison ivy thrives. Also, it is recommended that you wear long sleeve garments, long pants, socks, and gloves (if possible). It is also important to have background on the how the plant looks like for you to know what to avoid. Poison ivy plants are attractive with their triangular patterned grouped smooth leaflets shining in either bright red-orange-yellow or green color, aerial roots, and white berries. You may be amazed and be enticed to touch it. Beware! All parts of the plant contain the offending colorless oil called urushiol which causes the skin rash.