Even Batman feared his nemesis Poison Ivy-so trust me when I say, “Leaves of three, let it be.” No truer words have been spoken if you are one of the millions who are sensitive to poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) poison oak, and poison sumac. Just because you have escaped the wrath or rash of poison ivy in the past is no guarantee your luck will last in the weeks and years to come.
Recently a reader asked me what I knew about poison ivy and how to get rid of it. She had been suffering with an increasingly irritating flair-up for about three weeks and seemed to be at her wit’s end on what to do. If you are suffering from the wrath of poison ivy, what I said next will make your skin crawl. Prevention! Treat poison ivy as if you are handling fire-very carefully. Learn to identify poison ivy in all seasons, dress appropriately when working with it, and know what to do when you have come in contact with it.
To complicate matters, poison ivy can grow as a vine or bush-like. Typically the leaves grow with three leaflets to one stem. The leaves’ shape, texture and color can vary greatly from plant to plant, region to region and season to season. This time of year Eastern poison ivy is typically a hairy, ropelike vine with three shiny green leaves budding from one small stem. In the fall, the leaves will turn orange to red in color. Remember, “Leaves of three, Let it be!”
Whether you are hiking in the mountains or working in your lawn or garden, the first step is to prevent your exposure to poison ivy. Burning poison ivy can also vaporize the oil causing severe reactions. When hiking, stay on cleared trails. Keep pets from running through wooded areas where they may come in contact with poison ivy. The oil of poison ivy, urushiol (u-ROO she-ol); can transfer from your pet’s fur to your skin. If you know you may come in contact with poison ivy, your best protection is to apply a barrier skin cream such as Ivy Block® or any cream containing bentoquatum which can aid in protection. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves (disposable gloves are best) and remember to wash exposed clothing separately in hot water with detergent. Remember to clean up tools that have come into contact with poison ivy, clean them thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or lots of soap and water, because urushiol can remain active on the surface for up to five years (CDC).
If your skin comes in contact with poison ivy, it is important to wash the areas thoroughly as soon as possible. Don’t wait! Use a non-moisturizing soap such as a dishwashing liquid, degreasing soap such as Gojo® or rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of the oil, and remember to scrub under finger nails with a brush.
Signs and symptoms of exposure may include red rash, bumps, patches, streaking, or weeping blisters (blister fluids are not contagious), swelling and itching. After a rash has broken out, the following may help soothe the itch and reduce the swelling: Corticosteroid cream, hydrocortisone (best if used within the first few days), Calamine lotion, and creams containing menthol, such as Sarna. Try cool-water tub soaks with colloidal oatmeal such as Aveeno®, or cool, wet compresses for 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine like Benadryl® may be helpful in decreasing the itch and help you get a better night’s sleep. Believe it or not a nice cool shower or bath might just be your ticket to a good night’s sleep. Please remember, before taking any medication- especially before administering to children-consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider. When a severe poison ivy reaction develops, contact your healthcare provider or emergency department before your symptoms worsen.
Poison ivy isn’t all bad. It helps feed wildlife, and it aids in erosion prevention-but so does kudzu. If you are looking for something to do this summer you could always check out The Poison Oak Festival at St. Charles Saloon in Columbia, California. As for me,I am steering clear!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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