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Welcome to Poison Ivy Advice!

Here you’ll find a wealth of information on poison Ivy – where it is found, how to avoid it, what to do if you’re in contact with it, and how to treat the effects.

When most people think about poison ivy, the first thoughts that come to mind are of the itchy rash that is a consequence of unwittingly coming into contact with the weeping, oily leaves while hiking through woods or thicket. Unfortunately, ivies have developed unjustly tarnished reputations, as poison ivy itself is not ivy at all. Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans, where toxicodendron literally translates into “poison tree,” is actually more closely related to the cashew than to true ivies. Plants of this genus, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac, produce a secretion known as urushiol. This secretion covers the leaves and stems of the plants and gives them their toxic reputation.

Poison ivy is abundant in nearly all Midwestern and Eastern states, and can form as a small bush, ground cover or climb as a woody vine. The leaves of poison ivy are distinct in that the leaves are each formed of three smaller leaflets. These leaflets are often slightly shiny, and can have a reddish tinge to them while growing. The vine form of the plant has a thornless stem with red hued hairs that are coated with urushiol and can be very poisonous. In vine form, the plant can become well established, often appearing to be part of the supporting tree. For anyone who actively hikes or works in or around forested areas, being able to identify poison ivy is a useful skill to develop.

For those who are unlucky enough to be exposed to poison ivy, they might be happy to know that there are some misconceptions about poison ivy and its effects on the body. For example, not everyone reacts to the chemicals present on the plant. In fact, up to 30 percent of people who encounter poison ivy may not have an allergic reaction to the toxins. There is evidence, however, that repeated contact will cause the development of sensitivity even in those who do not have an initial reaction. So, if you are lucky enough to be exposed and escape the rash, do not assume that you are eternally immune from the effects ivy has and become careless with avoiding future contact. Repeated exposure can eventually increase the reaction of the body to the point of anaphylaxis.

For the average person who does display an allergic reaction, the exposure tends to be an inconvenience and not typically disabling or life threatening. The poison sticks to the skin and elicits what is known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, which is medical speak for a rash caused by coming into contact with the toxic substance urushiol. For most, this means severe itchiness, red inflammation and bumps; ultimately, blisters that, in some cases, can break and ooze. There are few medical treatments for this form of dermatitis; traditional medicine has failed to develop a course of treatment that successfully targets and cures the effects of the toxin. Instead, dermatologists often recommend traditional methods of treating the symptoms: Oatmeal baths or even sodium bicarbonate can help to relieve the itching associated with poison ivy. In severe cases, steroidal creams such as hydrocortisone and oral administration of diphenydramine may be called for to lessen the severity of the reaction.

Urushiol is tenacious oil that can remain present on dead, dried leaves and vines for years. Burning of such brush is inadvisable: Smoke that contains the oil can cause a painful reaction inside the lungs that can be potentially life threatening. Anything that is exposed to urushiol, including the rash itself, clothing or household objects, should be washed to ensure that the oil is eliminated. The best way to prevent the risk of a reaction is, however, to learn to recognize and avoid poison ivy to begin with. Having a proper awareness and respect for the risks associated with exposure is often excellent motivation to steering far clear of poison ivy during your next deep woods excursion.

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