Toxicodendron radicans, also known as poison ivy, is a common nuisance encountered by anyone participating in outdoor activities. Whether you are gardening, hiking, exploring the woods, or working outside, you will likely run across poison ivy at some point in time. This plant is difficult to identify, but knowing how to identify poison ivy will most likely save some suffering. The following link provides some help with the identification of the poison ivy plant: Identification

The poison ivy plant produces an oily resin called Urushiol. Urushiol is the compound that causes allergic reactions in humans. This oil can stay on clothes, gloves, shoes, and any other object (even your pets!) for very long periods of time. It is very important, therefore, to thoroughly wash any object that might have come in contact with the poison ivy plant to prevent further spread of the oil. If the contaminated objects are not washed, the oil can stay on the surface and cause a reaction the next time somebody touches or uses the object. This is why poison ivy is commonly mistaken as being “contagious” or “spreading” on a person without the person being outside or close to the original source.

For more poison ivy myths: Myths

Some common ways to prevent poison ivy are to:

1. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants.

2. Wash clothes, hands, and tools after being outdoors.

3. Apply products that block the spread of poison ivy.

4. Avoiding burning the plants, as the smoke of the burning plant can still cause irritation and an allergic reaction.

At least 50% of people who come in contact with the plant or oil develop an itchy rash that can become quite annoying and painful. It usually takes 12-72 hours after contact with the plant for a rash to develop and the rash can last for up to three weeks. Although the rash does not look pleasant and can cause discomfort, poison ivy is usually a mild condition and will resolve on its own. The rash is a delayed reaction. Therefore, if the rash gets larger from day to day, it is not spreading, but still developing from the initial exposure. Scratching the rash will not spread the poison ivy unless Urushiol oil is still present on the skin. However, scratching is not recommended due to the irritation it causes to the already damaged skin. Scratching also increases the potential for breaking the skin and eventual scarring.

The FDA released this document for poison ivy awareness:  FDA awareness

Identification of the poison ivy rash is important because the area of the rash needs to be washed immediately to remove Urushiol oil from the skin to prevent further spreading.

Common symptoms of poison ivy reactions include redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. Any area of skin believed to be exposed to poison ivy should be washed thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, specialized poison plant washes, degreasing soaps, or detergents. This washing should be done with plenty of water to remove the Urushiol oil from the skin. Then, the exposed person should scrub underneath their fingernails to make sure all the oil is off of their hands.

The poison ivy rash can be treated by soothing the area with a cold compress and applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching. If the skin becomes broken (bleeding occurs), hydrocortisone cream should no longer be used. Oatmeal baths can also be helpful for itch relief. Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be taken to help reduce the allergic reaction. If the skin becomes broken, the rash covers more than 1/3 of the body, or the rash is on the face or genitals, medical attention should be sought. Oral corticosteroids are often prescribed by doctors in treatment of serious poison ivy reactions.