Ask the Experts Blog

“Leaves of three, let them be.”

Have you ever heard that old rhyme? It was written to keep people away from poison ivy, a poisonous plant that grows three glossy leaves to a stem.

Poison ivy can grow just about anywhere, from forest paths to campsites and backyard gardens. If you come in contact with the plant, chances are you’ll develop an itchy, red rash a few days later.

Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol and most people are allergic to it. If you brush up against poison ivy, the oil will cause your skin to become red, swollen and very itchy.

A poison ivy rash can also cause skin blisters, which will eventually become crusty and flake off. It generally takes 1-3 weeks for a poison ivy rash to heal.

If you develop a poison ivy rash, call your doctor. Usually home remedies are enough to soothe your rash, but sometimes prescription creams or medications are needed.

To ease your itching, you can:

• Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream
• Apply calamine lotion
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine medication, such as Benadryl
• Soak in a cool bath containing baking soda or Aveeno
• Place cool, wet compresses on itchy areas

If you know you’ve come in contact with poison ivy, wash your skin promptly using cool water and soap. This will keep the oil from penetrating your skin and causing an allergic reaction.

You should also wash clothing, gardening tools and anything else that may still carry the urushiol oil. Be sure to use rubber gloves as you do this chore!

Even though your skin is itchy, be sure not to scratch. This can cause your blisters to become infected.

Don’t let poison ivy ruin your summer fun. Learn to recognize this poisonous plant, and steer clear of it when gardening, camping, hiking, or just enjoying the outdoors.