Dear Ivy,

Poison ivy is an allergy to a plant leaf resin or oil. Eighty percent of people are very allergic and will show symptoms of an itchy, blistery rash up to 48 hours after contact with the plant. Poison ivy is contagious only by spreading the actual plant oil/resin; the rash itself is not contagious and does not spread. Scratching the rash during the first few days could spread the oil to other parts of the infected person's body, or to another person who might be allergic. A few good showers and a laundry should eliminate the residue of the plant oil.

The problem with poison ivy is that there is no specific treatment; the infected person really just has to wait it out. Calamine lotion offers some symptomatic relief, as well as pouring cool water over the infected areas, putting an oatmeal paste on the infections, or making a baking soda and water solution to soothe the itching. If the itching and infection are persistent, and more than annoying, your husband needs to see a health care provider, because there are a few people who are so highly allergic that medication is necessary. In the meantime, keep him from scratching!!!

Alice

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