Message Number: YG13039 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Pam Waldron
Date: 2002-05-10 10:26:00 UTC
Subject: poison ivy, oak or sumac

Hi
This is a little off topic, but can be helpful to
FHLers who come in contact with poison ivy, oak or
sumac.

I am not a vet, but I would think that if a ferret
licks a poison ivy rash, it could get that rash in its
mouth and it could spread internally and might even
kill the ferret. At the very least, the fert wouldn't
want to eat or drink with blisters in its mouth. And
if the rash touches their tiny little feet, it would
itch intolerably and they'd lick it and you're in the
same predicament.

About three years ago, I had a very serious case of
poison ivy that required medical attention (blisters
on top of blisters on both arms - my first poison ivy
reaction ever!)
Besides the medicine, use a grease cutting dish
detergent to wash the oils off the skin and clothes
and other items (even garden tools and gloves...You
don't want to catch it again) that may have come in
contact with the poison ivy...uhh, the clothes go in
the washer by themselves for at least 3-4 HOT water
and laundry detergent washings...do not bother to dry
until after the fourth wash. (Don't breathe the steam.
Vaporized oils could get into the lungs and cause
problems there, too.)
Soak the rash several times a day for 20-30 minutes
in COLD SALT water...table salt, Epsom salt, cold
ocean water (yes, that much salt- I used table salt)
remember to use cold tap water. The rash will dry up
in a few days and it will stop itching while you are
soaking. After about the third soak it mine stopped
itching entirely.
Please clean the container or tub used for soaking
with a grease cutting detergent, too (dish detergent
mixed with baking soda works great-about 1/3-1 tsp
detergent to 1/4 cup baking soda with a little hot
water should clean the whole bathtub. Rinse with hot
water but don't breathe the steam), or you will spread
the rash (oils float and cling) and catch it again
yourself. Pour the salt water down the drain then
scrub the sink or tub where you poured it and the
container you soaked in.(I used a roasting pan to soak
my arms) Pouring salt water on the ground could kill
the plants (salt) and spread the oils (on the dirt,
plants, etc)
I am not a doctor, but this worked very well for me.
I hope you get relief and your fuzzies stay rash free

Pam

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