Poison Ivy

Anyone who enjoys the outdoors has probably encountered poison ivy.  If you are allergic to poison ivy check out these photos to be sure you know what to look out for while you are exploring the countryside.  As a child and even into early adulthood, I would break out in a severe rash that would cover my body from head to toe.  However, with age I have become less allergic to this menacing plant.  

Poison ivy can cause an itchy, mild to severe rash on the surface of your skin upon exposure.

Poison ivy has 3 jagged leaves on each stem.

Poison ivy vines grow quite vigorously and can be found almost anywhere.

If you think you have come into contact with poison ivy, wash the exposed area of your body as quickly as possible with soap and water.  Typically if you can wash the area that has been exposed within about five minutes you can greatly reduce or even completely eliminate the effect it will have on you.

The poison ivy vine contains oils that many people are allergic to.  Most people will not break out in a rash from coming into contact with the leaves themselves.  However, when a poison ivy vine is damaged through contact by a human or an animal and breaks open, the oil that causes a reaction will seep out from the inside of the vine.  It is this oil that causes the reaction which you may have experienced. 

If you do not catch it in time and a rash occurs, there are a few things that you can try to help aid in reducing the itchy feeling before visiting a doctor.  

• Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area can greatly reduce the itching.
• Make a paste with baking soda and water.  Apply this paste to the area of the body that has been affected.
• Alcohol applied to the affected area of skin and air dried can help to relieve the itching and dry out the rash.
• An oatmeal bath is known to help relieve the irritation.

If these methods don't work for you or if you break out in a severe rash, it may be time to see the doctor.  Depending on the severity of your reaction the doctor will likely prescribe Prednisone.  If the rash is deemed by your doctor to be extremely bad or if you have it in your eyes, they may administer a shot in addition to the prescribed Prednisone.

Next time you are in the woods keep an eye out for this nasty, creeping weed and The stay clear of poison ivy vines altogether.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day