Systemic Poison Ivy

From most accounts, the irritating rash produced by the Poison Ivy plant comes from the chemical urusiol. According to some doctors and dermatologists, the rash is the body’s allergic reaction to the chemical. Taking this into account, it means that if you are not allergic to urushiol then you are not susceptible to a Poison Ivy rash. Another important thing to remember is that the urushiol needs to penetrate the skin in order to cause the reaction. In some instances a systemic Poison Ivy reaction is experienced by the person who comes in contact with the sap of the plant. This is the starting point of the allergic attack which can spread to the entire body.

When we speak of systemic Poison Ivy, it simply means that the itchy rash condition is not isolated in one part of the body. In a systemic Poison Ivy possibly the entire body is covered with rashes making it very difficult to move and become comfortable. Usually the Poison Ivy rash begins at the thinnest part of the skin because it is easier to penetrate. Also, rashes do not immediately manifest and may take anywhere from two to three days before they are seen on the affected portion. It is also important to note that systemic Poison Ivy may occur even without direct contact to the plant. This happens when you come in contact with your pet, shoes, or other materials that has remnants of the urushiol. The transfer will trigger the allergic reaction. The problem is that the part where the sap was transferred remains unnoticeable until the rashes begin.

Blisters resulting from the systemic Poison Ivy allergy by far are not considered as contagious. This is because the blisters do not contain urushiol which is the reactant of the allergy. In majority of the cases the rashes appear in streaks with the early signs believed to be the point where the contact between the plant and the body was made. In case you are aware that you have come in contact with Poison Ivy, immediately washing it off may help to limit the reaction and minimize the affected areas. This is possible because no penetration of the skin layer has begun yet. Although penetration of the sap into the skin is not the only possible cause for a systemic Poison Ivy allergy attack.

Another possible reason for contracting systemic Poison Ivy attack is when you inadvertently breathe in smoke that emanates from the bush fire. In this scenario the oil seeps into the bloodstream which contributes to the major breakout of the blisters or rashes all over your body. In some extreme cases of systemic Poison Ivy attacks even the throat and the mouth portion may even show signs of blistering. This condition wherein the oil is already in the bloodstream may lead to repeated allergic reaction attacks which can be triggered by almost anything. The main treatment administered in these cases usually requires some form of medication that will help to tone down the swelling and help your body to cope with the allergic reactions.