Treatment of Poison Ivy Rash A compound found in the oils of poison ivy and pois

Question

Treatment of Poison Ivy Rash A compound found in the oils of poison ivy and poison oak that produces the characteristic itchy rash is shown below. If you brush against the plant, you would get the oily secretion on your skin. The pKa of this molecule is ~8.


If you brushed against poison ivy, which of the treatments below would be best for you to apply to the affected area? Explain your choice please!

A) Wash the area with cold water

B) Wash the area with soap, water and dilute vinegar or lemon juice

C) Wash the area with soap, water, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Explanation / Answer

If one brushes against poison ivy, the treatment that would be best for one to apply on the affected area is

C) Wash the area with soap, water and baking soda( sodium bicarbonate)

This is because the soap is to be used for oil removal to rinse the area of the rash.Because the toxins have been transferred to the skin in the form of an oil, using an oil obliterating soap would help prevent spread the rash. Also water, preferrably cold water is to be used to close the pores and so that the toxins do not come out and infect other parts of body. Also, baking soda is to be used to the affected area to pull the fluid out of the blisters.

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