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Poison ivy is a woody vine that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae which is of the sumac family. It is the most common allergy to people in the United States, with more than half of the population being affected once in contact.

Many people think that rubbing or scratching the irritation from poison ivy will cause it to spread, but this is incorrect. The only way to spread the rash is to spread the urushiol oil, so it is best to wash the area well once a rash is seen and then there is no oil residue remaining. If a blister forms due to the rash, you can break the blisters but this can cause infection to set up and scarring as well. But the blisters bursting will not cause the rash to spread.

There are some cures that work better than others, and the most effective are those that get rid of the urushiol oil on the leaves of the plant that cause the reaction. Some believe they are immune to the plant and this is very untrue. For people who have never had the problem before, it can take as long as a week or more to see the rash on the skin. The more times a person is exposed to the plant, the more prevalent chances are you will get a rash.

The symptoms of this condition is a red raised rash that occurs in the place where the poison ivy plant made contact. After the rash is seen, itching will follow until the redness is completely gone. There are quite a few topical and prescriptions that are made just to deal with this type of condition.

A product called Rhuli gel is offered by Band Aid, and is helpful drying out the blisters that will be present in the red areas, which deals with the itch. This product is available through department stores and drug stores in the first aid or health and beauty aisles.

Yet another itch relief product is Ivy Dry, that can be found in creams and liquids which helps to deal with the incessant itching. If a visit to the doctor is required, a common prescription is prednisone. This corticosteroid helps to suppress the immune system so that the reddened areas of rash do not itch.

Some doctors will ask that you take a warm Epsom salt bath to quell the itch. Following with calamine lotion on the area will help to finish the itch. Within a couple of days the problem will cease and the itch will be completely gone.