Julie's Garden Spot: Avoiding Poison Ivy

The rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac usually starts out with red blotches but as we scratch, it develops into painful itchy pus-filled blisters. 

In the case of poison ivy, the rash is caused by an oily substance called urushiol that is carried in the leaves, stems and roots. One billionth of a gram can cause a rash. When you come in contact with it, you have about 15 minutes to wash it off with soap and water in order to avoid a reaction. If you don’t, your body develops sensitivity to it and over the next 24 to 48 hours, you will develop a rash.  If left untreated, the resulting sores can become infected. 

Besides causing severe infections, poison ivy can also be dangerous when any part of the plant is burned and resulting smoke is inhaled. Firefighters in particular have to be very careful because once this smoke is inhaled, it can cause severe irritation to the lining of their lungs, mouth and nose. Also, their faces and any part of their body exposed to the smoke will develop the rash.  

In summer, there is a sharp increase in the number of cases reported because we spend more time outdoors. About 90 percent of people will develop an allergic reaction to poison ivy.  Approximately 55 million Americans a year experience reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac resulting in 1.5 million emergency room visits annually.  

Poison ivy is a woody plant with three-leaf clusters. Leaves can be smooth or notched. The plants produce white berrylike fruit that produce even more poison ivy plants as they come in contact with the soil. 

There are several “look alike” plants that grow in our area such as Virginia creeper and blackberry vines. If you are unsure of whether to avoid such plants, the best advice is still, Leaves of three, let them be!”