Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol. Contact with this oil is what causes the typical poison ivy skin rash. Learn how to identify the poison ivy plant, avoid contact, remove the plant and treat a poison ivy rash.
Identify Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a woody vine that is distinguished by groups of three leaflets. The ivy can grow up trees, along fences or buildings or over the ground. It is common in wooded areas, hiking trails and near lakes and streams. It can grow in backyards as well as uninhabited areas. In the summer, the leaves are green. They turn red in the autumn and fall off in the late fall, leaving the plant bare until spring.
Avoid a Poison Ivy Rash
The best way to avoid a poison ivy rash is to learn how to identify the plant and avoid contact with it. If it’s not possible to avoid contact or it’s likely that you could be exposed when hiking, wear long pants and long sleeves to completely cover the skin.
As soon after exposure as possible, wash the skin with soap and water. The rash generally takes at least 12 hours to appear. Washing thoroughly prevents spreading the oil to unexposed areas of the skin. Because urushiol can linger on clothing, wash any clothes that may have come into contact with the poison ivy plant to prevent further exposure.
Treating a Poison Ivy Rash
If a poison ivy rash develops, wash the area with soap and water to prevent further spreading of the oils to unexposed parts of the body, especially if the area hasn't already been cleansed. The poison ivy rash is not contagious, though it can be intensely itchy, red and irritated looking. Treat the itch with an oatmeal compress, baking soda paste or Calamine lotion. If the rash is severe or is on the face, consult a doctor.
Removing Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a perennial and can be hard to remove. If it’s located in an area of the yard that is not frequented, it’s best to wait until the plant is in its dormant stage to remove. Keep in mind that urushiol is present in the stems and roots, so it’s still necessary to take precautions when dealing with the dormant plant. Always wear long pants, long sleeves and gloves when removing poison ivy.
To remove poison ivy without using weed killers, clip the vines to within one inch of the ground and cover the area with well-anchored, black plastic. Pull the plants out by the roots when the poison ivy has lost all foliage. Use a large, plastic garbage bag as a second glove. Simply fold the bag down over the plants and throw away. Never burn poison ivy as the oils can get released into the air and inhaled.
Poison ivy can be problematic during the summer months. Learn how to identify it and take appropriate precautions when exposed. Treat the rash by washing the exposed skin and using topical anti-itch remedies. Exercise caution when removing poison ivy from a yard.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology website; Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac; accessed June 26, 2009.
Keep Kids Healthy website; Poison Ivy Identification; accessed June 26, 2009.
Hundreds of Can-Do Answers to a Gardeners Toughest Questions; compiled by the editors of Organic Gardening Magazine; Rodale Press 1989.
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