Lab One: Design a Research Project

Hypothesis: Jewelweed juice speeds up healing of the rash caused by Western Poison Ivy. Research Proposal: This study is extremely valuable for the sole and simple reason that approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, or poison oak according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As a researcher for a pharmaceutical company, this information will aid in the validity of the claim and marketing of the product. This research will also benefits humanity in general by providing a safe and effective cream as an aid in the healing process after exposure. Ten subjects will be selected after careful interviews regarding allergies to food, medication, or anything else. A thorough medical history review will be made to ensure healthy individuals participate. Any subject with history of severe allergic reactions of any kind will not be allowed to participate. Subjects cannot not be taking any medications or have signs or symptoms of illness at the start of experiment. Baseline vital signs and blood test will be performed: CBC & Chem 10. The subjects must be able to commit for a period of 21 days, and should not be claustrophobic. The age group will be either males or females ages 18-55. The controlled variable is the location that the subjects will remain in. This will be a carefully monitored area where ambient temperature, sleeping and waking hours will be the same, as well as consumption of foods and activity level. Our experimental variable is an equal part mixture of K&Y jelly and strained poison ivy juice versus plain K&Y jelly with green food coloring. The experimental group composed of 5 subjects AND the control group also composed of 5 subjects, will be exposed to poison ivy on their non-dominant arm by rubbing one leaf, one time, down the forearm. The area to be exposed will be mapped in advance and it will measure 4in X 1.5in, no closer than one inch from the wrist fold. Immediately the whole forearm will be covered with Curlex bandage, followed by an Ace bandage for a more secure fit. Twenty-four hours post exposure; the following dependent variables will be noted: 1. Area of rash 2. Number of blister in area. 3. Size of blisters 4. Redness (using color wheel) 5. Pain level on a scale from 0-10. Zero being no pain and 10 being worst pain they have ever experienced. 6. Itching level on a scale from 0-10. Zero being no itching and 10 being extreme itching. The experimental subjects will then have 5oz of Jewelweed jelly applied to the same area that was covered by poison ivy. The control group will have 5oz of the placebo jelly applied to the same area that was covered by poison ivy. The forearm will again be covered with new Curlex and Ace bandages to be examined every 24hrs. Each day these dependent variables will be noted and recorded. Completely healed individuals with no redness, itching, or pain, will be transferred to a separate area where they will await end of experiment. At this separate location the forearms will continue to be covered and examined every 24hrs for any signs of recurrent rash.