Question about poison ivy?

I saw all of the answers all of you guys left for other answers on how to get rid of poison ivy. Thanks. But what should I do about the orangy-puss stuff that is seeping outta my blisters? Should I wipe it up with a rag? I was told not to so that I don't spread the poison. Any ideas? Btw, what is that stuff? Is it the oils from the poison or is it my body producing stuff to kill it? Thanks for all your guys' answers about how to get rid of poison ivy.

Question about poison ivy?
3 things.

Use hydrocortizone 1% (over the counter) or prescription.

Very hot water kills the itch but try not to burn yourself.

Keep it covered so you don't spread it.



Also wash clothes, bedding and pets to make sure no residual ivy resin is able to spread



I should know I've had it that bad!



Good luck
Reply:The fluid that oozes from the blisters is NOT contagious and will not spread the rash. Once you have washed all the urushiol (the chemical in the oil that causes the allergic reaction) off then you shouldn't get anymore. The fluid is not the "poison" from the plant. The fluid, blisters, redness and swelling are caused by your body sending out histamine and white blood cells out to fight the invader (the urushiol is actually harmless but your immune system misinterprets it as a threat). Make sure you keep the area clean. I've found that calamine lotion works well. It doesn't do much for the itching and burning but it helps dry up the oozing and weeping. In addition to washing the oil of your body don't forget to wash things like clothes, shoes or anything else that may have come into contact with the plants.
Reply:If you want to "clean up" the seepage...blot it with a kleenex or something disposable...and get rid of that blotter as soon as you have "mopped up" that stuff is very spreadable. Believe me...I know first hand.

Wash your hands thoroughly after the blotting...wrap the area if possible that is weeping.
Reply:That orangy stuff is probably the oil from the plant itself and some stuff your body has made to fight against it and get rid of it. Ive had poison ivy before many times in my life and the best thing I found to do was to actually drain the blisters using a heat-sterilized needle to just poke a hole for them to drain. This not only alleviates the pain, but I also found that it stopped spreading. Dont rub over it with a rag cause that will spread it. Try taking Benadryl to dry it up. Also, a mixture of Clorox bleach and water (50/50 or weaker) worked also to kill it. Maybe this will help. If nothing else, go to the doc and get a shot to get rid of it if its real severe. The blisters you have are actually the reaction your body has to the oil on your skin, so yes, your body is trying to fight it. Like I said earlier, the orangy stuff is probably the oil itself plus some stuff your body has made to help fight it. Hope this works.

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