Show for poison ivy after exposure to poison ivy or poison oak thorough washing of the skin surface with strong kitchen or laundry soap having an excess of alkali Is a good precaution lather well and rinse several times in running water pay especial attention io the finger nails and tender skin between the fingers this treatment it carefully done may be tried even after inflammation has developed to lessen the area affected and the intensity of the poisoning As a pre a solution of 1 part of iron sulphate in 5 parts of water has been recommended this solution should be freely applied to the parts likely to come in contact with the ivy and allowed to dry by this means some measure of protection may be afford to persons who are engaged in work that makes it difficult to avoid contact with the plant A 5 per cent solution of potassium permanganate applied locally Is reported to be a very good remedy the brown stain caused by this solution will gradually wash off or it may be removed more rapidly with lemon juice solutions of cooking soda or epsom salt are ordinarily as helpful as any local applications in the early stages ointments are not recommended |