Hikers are constantly battling irritating bugs, like Ticks and nuisances, such as Invasive Species, that can linger on gear and clothing and find their way back into the home. But one of the biggest concerns on the trail is Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) or its cousin, western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii). I had a bad experience with Poison Ivy when I was a kid in which almost half my body was blistered from the rash, since then I learned to identify, avoid, and treat, all of which I intend to express to you in this blog.
What is Poison Ivy:
Poison Ivy is a plant that is part of the Sumac family. They come in two main forms which are climbing and non-climbing types. The plant may look like a vine (poison ivy) or a small shrub (in the case of western poison ivy) in which it can be easily mistaken for or hidden by other vegetation. The main concern to people is that Poison Ivy causes an irritating rash.
Identifying Poison Ivy:
Poison Ivy has three leaflets grouped together which lends itself to the old adage, “Leaves of three, let it be.” The leaves are pointed, and the middle leaf is attached to a stem which makes it stand out from the other two leaves. The stem below the leaves also has tiny hair like roots sticking out from it and sometimes a cluster of white berries as well. The color of the leaves varies from a reddish hue to a bright green and can be shiny or plain.
Where does Poison Ivy grow:
Poison Ivy is present throughout the United States, except for Alaska and Hawaii. The plant is also found in Canada, Mexico, and Asia. As a climbing plant, Poison Ivy can be found on trees, fences, buildings and almost anything else that can give it support. It has been known to climb upwards of 75 feet. But it can also be hidden in brush, in fields or beaches, and along trails.
How does Poison Ivy cause its rash:
Poison Ivy contains an irritant resinous oil called urushiol. Urushiol oil causes the body to have an allergic reaction in which a rash occurs at the point of contact. The time varies and can occur anywhere from within hours to days after contact. Unfortunately, urushiol oil can be active for years after the poison ivy plant has died or upon an undisturbed surface. While not contagious, the oils can be spread through the touching of contaminated objects such as tools and clothing and pets whose fur can be covered in the urushiol oil.
Avoiding and Treating Poison Ivy Tips:
Much like its irritating rash causing oils, Poison Ivy has a plethora of home remedies attached to it. But it is best to resort to these *treatments:
- Identify and stay away from vegetation that may look like the features we stated earlier as it could well be Poison Ivy.
- Wear long sleeves and pants on the trail or in nature.
- Wash the contaminated area under cool water as soon as possible.
- Use over rubbing alcohol or soaps to remove the urushiol oil and continue to wash the area, wipe off with a rag but do not touch the rag to uncontaminated areas or surfaces.
- Put contaminated clothes in a plastic bag.
- Wash clothes that are contaminated separately from regular clothes.
- For tools rubbing alcohol can be used to wipe off their surfaces, best to use disposable gloves when handling the contaminated equipment.
- For pets who may have had contact with Poison Ivy, contact your vet for recommendations for pet safe shampoos or use Dawn soap if your veterinarian allows.
- For dealing with the itch: soak area under cold water, use cold compresses, take OTC medication with antihistamines and/ or pain relievers, and use topical solutions recommended by your physician.
- Contact your doctor for severe cases such as widespread rash, difficulty breathing, or rashes accompanied by a fever.
- Do not burn brush indiscriminately, if inhaled the urushiol oils can cause severe damage and irritation.
*These tips are meant to inform you about possible options in treating poison ivy rashes and not to be used as medical advice. Consult your physician about any health issues you are concerned with and as for pets, contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about their health as well. *
Conclusion:
On my hikes, I like to enjoy the plethora nature has to offer. But I am also not completely unaware. While on the trail I watch my step so I don’t trip over a rock or lose my footing near the edge of a ravine, I also keep an eye out for hazards like Poison Ivy that could irritate me long after I’ve left the trail. And with these tips on ways to identify, avoid, and treat Poison Ivy, I hope you too can avoid Poison Ivy and spend more time enjoying the trails, rash free.