{"id":297,"date":"2015-09-18T10:30:02","date_gmt":"2015-09-18T14:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=297"},"modified":"2024-09-04T08:46:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T12:46:57","slug":"how-to-avoid-poison-ivy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-poison-ivy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prevent poison ivy"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s nothing like an encounter with poison ivy to ruin a camping trip or family outing. As the weather becomes warmer and we spend more time outdoors, doctors recommend taking precautions to protect against summer irritants, including plants such as poison ivy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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While the almond-shaped leaves of poison ivy may look benign, their sap causes a red, itchy rash for 85% of people in the United States. According to the <\/span>American Skin Association<\/span><\/a> (ASA), the most common allergic reaction in the U.S. is caused by the poison ivy plant, or its siblings\u2014poison oak and sumac\u2014and affects 50 million Americans each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe see the majority of poison ivy cases in the summer as people work in their gardens, hit the hiking trails, and go camping,\u201d says Candace Ireton, MD, a family medicine practitioner in Asheville, North Carolina. \u201cIt\u2019s important to know what poison ivy looks like because the best course of action is definitely prevention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

How to identify poison ivy<\/b><\/h2>\n

Poison ivy, a three-leaved plant, grows in clusters as a climbing vine or shrub. It can be found in backyards, parks, camping sites, and hiking trails <\/span>throughout the U.S.<\/span><\/a>, except for Alaska, Hawaii, or desert areas of the Southwest. <\/span><\/p>\n

Poison oak\u2014which isn\u2019t as common as poison ivy\u2014looks like a leafy shrub with larger rounded leaves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Poison sumac<\/span><\/a> is a plant or shrub found in wooded wetland areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Poison ivy\u2019s distinctive three-pointed leaves change colors throughout the year: red in spring, green in summer, and yellow, red or, purple in the fall. Knowing what poisonous plants <\/span>look like<\/span><\/a> can help you avoid direct contact on your next outdoor outing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Poison<\/p>\n

How to prevent poison ivy reactions\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Poison ivy itself isn\u2019t the source of an allergic reaction, but rather the sticky urushiol oil (sap) inside the plant\u2019s leaves, stem, and roots is. Those who come into direct contact with the plant often find themselves fighting an itchy, blistering rash 24 to 48 hours after exposure; this rash is known as contact dermatitis. You can get a rash without touching the plant if the urushiol oil transfers from another person (or animal) or surface to your skin. While poison ivy isn\u2019t life-threatening, Dr. Ireton says the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steering clear of the plant entirely is the best way to prevent a reaction, but here are a few other poison ivy prevention tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Wear protective clothing<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re going to be working in the garden or venturing into an area with unfamiliar plants, Kathryn Boling, MD, a family medicine practitioner with Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland, recommends wearing protective clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUse gloves when working in the garden and wear closed-toe shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves for the best protection outdoors,\u201d Dr. Boling says.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Consider using an ivy blocker<\/b><\/h3>\n

These over-the-counter products are barrier creams (containing Bentoquatam 5%) that can be applied to arms, hands, and other exposed areas before going camping or in an area where you might possibly be exposed to poison ivy to prevent a skin reaction. According to the <\/span>American Academy of Dermatology<\/span><\/a>, a study found that forestry workers who used ivy blockers on most days reported fewer rashes. These creams are FDA approved and are available over-the-counter at sporting and outdoor stores. They can be used in ages 6 years or older.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Stay on the trail<\/b><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re more likely to encounter poison ivy when you\u2019re walking through an unmaintained area, or exploring off the path. When you stay on the hiking trail, it\u2019s easier to spot poison ivy in a mostly clear route. Avoid venturing off into brush where you can\u2019t see the plants brushing against your ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Take a shower ASAP\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cIf you accidentally come in contact with poison ivy\u2019s sap, either through the leaves or vine, you should take a shower and wash your clothing immediately,\u201d Dr. Ireton says. \u201cWhen bathing, use mild soap and cool water within two hours of contact to decrease risk of reaction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When washing, Dr. Boling recommends taking extra measures to scrub thoroughly under fingernails. <\/span>\u201cIf you have urushiol under your fingernails, it\u2019s easy to spread to other areas of your body through touch,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Keep gear clean<\/b><\/h3>\n

Washing the items you had with you while outside is just as important as washing sap off of skin. Rinse down backpacks and hiking boots\u2014along with any other supplies you had out when you encountered the poison ivy. Wash clothing with warm water and detergent. And be sure to wear gloves to avoid spreading the sap to your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Don\u2019t forget the kids<\/b><\/h3>\n

Use extra precautions with <\/span>children<\/span><\/a> since they often have sensitive skin and are more likely to have face, neck, and upper body exposure. Children are less likely to resist scratching their skin, which may cause spreading of the oils or super infection with bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. And don\u2019t forget pets, either<\/b><\/h3>\n

While dogs and other pets aren\u2019t affected by poison ivy, they can carry the oils on their fur and spread it to their owners. Dr. Ireton recommends giving your pet a bath (while wearing rubber gloves) if you suspect they have come in contact with poison ivy.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Kill plants on your property<\/b><\/h3>\n

Make clearing poison ivy part of your regular lawn maintenance. You can use a ready-made spray like Roundup or make your own by combining vinegar, salt, dish soap, and water. When plants are removed, you\u2019re less likely to accidentally walk through them.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to treat a poison ivy rash<\/b><\/h2>\n

Despite all your best efforts to prevent it, you may still come into contact with poison ivy. If you do, Dr. Boling says a rash will usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. \u201cThe rash and itching, known as contact dermatitis, typically occur on exposed areas such as the face, arms, and legs,\u201d Dr. Boling says. \u201cThe severity of the rash depends on an individual\u2019s sensitivity to the sap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Use over-the-counter treatments<\/b><\/h3>\n

M<\/span>ild cases of poison ivy can be treated at home with over-the-counter products such as taking a cool colloidal oatmeal or a baking soda bath and applying <\/span>calamine lotion<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>hydrocortisone cream<\/span><\/a> to the rash, <\/span>Dr. Ireton says. <\/span>\u201cIn addition, sedating antihistamines like <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>chlorpheniramine<\/span><\/a> can help with sleep when itching is bothersome,\u201d she recommends. \u201cCold compresses can also be used to reduce itching and inflammation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit a healthcare provider for a prescription<\/b><\/h3>\n

For more severe cases of poison ivy, you should see your doctor about a prescription medication. <\/span>Seek medical care if you experience the <\/span>following<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n