Poison Ivy on Face

Poison Ivy on the face is usually due to contact of the vines or when burning of the plant itself. The fumes from the burning plant become irritants when it reaches the face. These fumes can be inhaled and can be harmful to the nasal tract and the lungs. Poison Ivy on face is just like other irritation on any skin part of the body. The only difference is that it is exposed and highly conducive of Poison Ivy toxicity.
While direct skin-to-plant contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac is possibly the most usual cause of the rash, the irritants from the plants can also be transmitted on indirectly. Urushiol, the toxic oil can be transferred on clothing, pets, garden tools, shoes, or generally anything that touches a plant.
Most children will not acquire a rash the very first time they are in contact to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, although this is when the allergic, or immune response, to urushiol starts. Not everyone gets an allergic reaction to urushiol, but in those that do, the following time they are in contact to the plant and urushiol seeps in the skin, a rash is not preventable.
The first and most irritating symptom of a poisonous plant rash is profound itching. This may succeed the rash or begin at the same time as the rash comes out. The rash, which is red and swollen, usually starts to appear within two days after the primary exposure and is generally in a pattern of streaks or patches that trails where the plant was exposed with the skin. Blisters or red papules may be seen soon after the rash is seen.
Mild incidences of poison plant rash can generally be treated at home with over-the-counter creams and itch-soothing ways such as ice packs. A child who is not having enough relief from these treatments should see a physician. Prescription cortisone cream or prednisone medication may be needed to soothe the itching.
Anyone who is suffering symptoms of anaphylactic shock such as difficulty of breathing, drowsiness , nausea , swelling, itchy eyes, and loss of consciousness after contact to poison ivy, oak, or sumac should be brought to the nearest hospital or emergency facility for prompt treatment. Poison plant rashes that spread to the eyes and impair vision should also be treated by a physician as soon as possible. If rash blisters are open while because of scratching and start to show signs of infection, a physician should see them as soon as possible in case antibiotics are needed.
Poison plant rashes are examined through an observation of the rash. A physician can determine poison ivy, oak, or sumac from other allergic contact dermatitis by a short patient query. If the exposure with the plant was direct, the diagnosis may be seen obviously. If it was indirect, the doctor may have to rule out other allergies, especially if there are other potential allergens in the individual’s environment. At that they can now diagnose the cause of the rashes.