In 2008, for example, researchers reported in the journal Cell that lithium interrupts the activity of a receptor for the neurotransmitter dopamine. It also appears to plump up brain volume, according to a 2011 study in the journal Biological Psychiatry (though this research is hotly contested).
Poison ivy produces an oily chemical (urushiol) onto the surface of its leaves. When people come in contact with poison ivy, the urushiol can cause an allergic skin reaction that produces reddish, itchy, and painful inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). Close relatives of poison ivy plants that produce similar dermatitis symptoms are poison oak and poison sumac.
Wash anything that comes in contact with poison ivy to remove the oil. As you know, the rash is very itchy. It usually lasts about three weeks. For mild cases, you can use cool compresses, over-the-counter oral antihistamines, and hydrocortisone cream applied to the skin. For more severe cases, see your doctor.