Aug. 15, 2019 | If you’re like most people, you enjoyed spending much of the summer outdoors. Some got more out of the summer than others, thanks to poisonous plants like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. These common summer skin irritants release an oil, urushiol, when the leaf or other plant parts are bruised, damaged, or burned. When the oil gets on the skin, an allergic reaction referred to as contact dermatitis occurs in most exposed people as an itchy red rash with bumps or blisters. When exposed to 50 micrograms of urushiol, which is less than a grain of table salt, 80 to 90 percent of adults will develop a rash. Although over-the-counter topical medications may relieve symptoms for most people, immediate medical attention may be required for severe reactions, particularly when exposed to the smoke from burning these poisonous plants. Burning these plants can be very dangerous because the allergens can be inhaled, causing lung irritation.

Aug. 15, 2019 | People who spend a great deal of time outdoors are at risk for exposure to poisonous plants. Outdoor workers at risk include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners and any other workers who spend time outside. Forestry workers and firefighters who battle forest fires are at additional risk because they could potentially develop rashes and lung irritation from contact with damaged or burning poisonous plants. The old saying “Leaves of three, let it be!” is a helpful reminder for identifying poison ivy and oak, but not poison sumac, which usually has clusters of 7 to 13 leaves. Even poison ivy and poison oak may have more than three leaves and their form may vary greatly depending upon the exact species encountered, the local environment, and the season. Being able to identify local varieties of these poisonous plants throughout the seasons and differentiating them from common nonpoisonous look-a-likes are the major keys to avoiding exposure.

Aug. 15, 2019 | Poison ivy can be found throughout the U.S. except in Alaska and Hawaii, and parts of the West Coast. It can grow as a vine or shrub and each leaf has three glossy leaflets, with smooth or toothed edges. Its leaves are reddish in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. It may also have white berries. Poison ivy can cause a rash to develop on someone who directly touches the leaves, stems, roots or berries of the plant or touches contaminated objects like shoes or clothing that have come in contact with the plant. A poison ivy rash isn’t contagious. Blister fluid doesn’t contain urushiol, the oily resin found on the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, and won’t spread the rash. And you can’t get poison ivy from another person unless you’ve had contact with the urushiol that’s still on that person or on his or her clothing. Poison ivy treatments are usually limited to self-care methods, and the rash typically goes away on its own within two to three weeks.

Aug. 15, 2019 | Poison oak grows as a low shrub in the eastern portion of the United States, and in tall clumps or long vines on the West Coast. Its fuzzy green leaves grow in clusters of three that are lobed or deeply toothed with rounded tips and it may have yellow or white berries. Poison sumac, meanwhile, grows as a tall shrub or a small tree in bogs or swamps in the Northeast, Midwest and parts of the Southeast. Each leaf has clusters of seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets. Its leaves are orange in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. Someone who has been exposed to these poisonous plants will typically break out in a rash within a few days of contact. Bumps, patches, streaking or blisters may occur as well as swelling and itching. Take care not to scratch the blisters as bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection. The itching can be reduced by wet compresses and any irritation can be relieved by over-the-counter creams or skin protectants.

Aug. 15, 2019 | To avoid suffering from a painful rash due to contact from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, take the time to learn what the plants look like so you can avoid them. Be sure to wash your garden tools and gloves regularly. If you think you may be working around poison ivy, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into boots and gloves. You will probably want to wash your pet if it may have brushed up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Use pet shampoo and water while wearing rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves. Most pets are not sensitive to poison ivy, but the oil can stick to their fur and cause a reaction in someone who pets them. And wash your skin in cool water as soon as possible if you come in contact with a poisonous plant. The sooner you cleanse the skin, the greater the chances that you will be able to remove the plant oil or help prevent any further spread. In severe cases or if the rash is on the face or genitals, it’s best to seek medical attention.