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Summer might be last week's news, but it doesn't mean poison ivy isn't still lurking in the outdoors. In fact autumn leaf pickup presents increased exposure to poison ivy. According to a report published in Weed Science, poison ivy has grown more aggressive since the 1950s, with leaf size and oil content measurably increased. This is bad news if you are one of the more than 350,000 people who are stricken by poison ivy annually.
Poison ivy tops the list of plants to avoid because it contains urushiol, an oily resin that binds to the skin on contact and may result in a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by itching, burning skin eruptions. This rash-causing poison ivy sap is a clear liquid found in the plant's leaves and the roots, which many people develop an allergy to over time.
Urushiol oil remains active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects -- such as gardening tools, an article of clothing, or even a pet -- can cause the rash when it comes in contact with human skin. If poison ivy is eaten, the mucus lining of the mouth and digestive tract can be damaged. And if poison ivy is burned and the smoke inhaled, a rash may appear in the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and respiratory difficulty that can become life threatening.
Poison ivy grows throughout much of North America, and is extremely common in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and southeastern U.S. It's typically found in wooded areas as well as exposed rocky areas and open fields, and can be recognized by its group of three leaflets on small stems coming off larger main stems. For decades parents have taught their children the singsong phrase "leaves of three, let it be" as a way of learning to spot this pretty but toxic plant. Poison ivy also has inconspicuous greenish flowers with five petals, and berry-like fruits that are hard and whitish.
Urushiol oil is extremely potent, and only one nanogram (that's one billionth of a gram) can cause a rash. Even if you've never broken out, immunity from poison ivy isn't a sure thing. In fact the more often you are exposed to urushiol, the more likely you will break out with an allergic rash. Contrary to popular belief, scratching or oozing blister fluid cannot spread the outbreak or transfer it to other people. New lesions that appear a few days after a breakout of primary lesions means that there was less oil deposited on that area of the skin, or that the skin was less sensitive to it.
Avoiding contact with the plant is, of course, the best prevention. When you spot poison ivy, show it to kids and instruct them to stay away from it. If you have a large amount growing in your yard, consult with a professional landscaper for removal. Unless you are a professional, do not "weed whack" as it sprays the poison ivy -- and hence the oil -- right at you.
If you come into contact with poison ivy: urushiol binds to skin proteins and begins to penetrate within 15 minutes of contact. If treated before that time, a reaction might be prevented. First, wash the exposed site with cold water (hot water will open your pores, allowing the oil in). Follow this by bathing it in milk, which can penetrate between oil and skin. In the event of a severe outbreak, seek medical attention.
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