$Unique_ID{BRK01235}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does Licking Help Prevent the Rash of Poison Ivy From Developing?}
$Subject{poison ivy rash skin allergy immune licking lick licked rashes oak
sumac allergic reaction diphenhydramine benadryl itching saliva accidents
poisoning poisons treat skin licks itch itches mouth tongue accident}
$Volume{O-20,U-20}
$Log{
The Process of an Allergic Reaction*0001201.scf
Histamine Release Causes Allergy Symptoms*0001202.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Licking Help Prevent the Rash of Poison Ivy From Developing?


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QUESTION:  Can you comment on a trick that my grandfather used to mention
which was to lick the place where you were touched by the leaves of a poison
ivy plant to prevent the rash from ever developing?  I want to be sure it
works before trying it if I ever need to.

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ANSWER:  First let me explain what happens when people touch plants that are
known to cause rashes.  The plants we think of are poison ivy, oak and sumac.
These plants have a resin on them which, when spread on the skin, can cause an
allergic reaction.  People often think that the rash itself can be spread by
the liquid that may leak from the blisters that are formed as a result of the
resin irritation, and which form part of the rash of poison ivy.  But this is
really not the case.  Since the rash may at times take up to 3 weeks to
show itself, it is the original spread of the resin that causes these late
appearing blisters, and not a continuation of the problem from blister liquid.
That means that the best initial therapy is to thoroughly wash all the areas
that could possibly have been exposed, to remove the resin.  Clothes that have
been contaminated should also be washed and if for some reason they can not be
cleaned then they should be isolated in a well ventilated area for three
weeks.  Drugs such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be prescribed to cut down
on the amount of itching.  Cortisone creams can be used to decrease the local
inflammation, and in people with severe reactions to the plant steroid
(cortisone like) pills or even injections may be needed.  While I do not know
of any literature that specifically discusses the use of saliva to reduce this
annoying rash, one thing is absolutely sure.  You don't want to try and wash
off the resin by licking the skin.  Since the resin will adhere to the tongue,
it could produce fearful lesions in your mouth and on your tongue, and so
ranks high on the list of "No no's".

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.