A fluorescence microscope image shows the skin of a healthy mouse (left) and skin from a mouse with a poison ivy rash (right). Interleukin-33, shown in green stain, is a protein that acts directly on the nerves, telling the brain the skin is extremely itchy. Credit: Sven-Eric Jordt/Duke Health
Scientists have developed a strategy to stop the uncontrollable itch caused by urushiol, the oily sap common to poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak and even mango trees. By blocking an immune system protein in the skin with an antibody, they could halt the processes that tell the brain the skin is itchy. They hope their model could lead to potential treatments for people who are allergic to poison ivy – an estimated 80% of the population.
For most people, contact with poisonous plants is painful but...
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