Tips and Tricks for Spotting and Treating Poison Ivy

Whether you’re enjoying a wonderful camping trip, a glorious hike, or just a romp in your backyard, nothing spoils a good time like poison ivy.

Instead of never leaving the safety of the sidewalk, create your own trails safely by knowing how to identify nature’s scourge as well as studying up on the best poison ivy treatments.

Leaves of Three

There’s an old axiom that says, “leaves of three, leave it be.” While this saying is certainly true, these leaves can take on many different shapes. You’ll find leaves with smooth, jagged, and/or lobbed edges. The good news is that if the plant has thorns, it’s not poison ivy, although it might increase other risks.

The other challenge is that poison ivy exists in many forms. Some vines can actually climb up a tree and mix in with the host tree’s natural vines and leaves. In other cases, this rash-producing plant can grow in bushes in a variety of sizes. Most research suggests that poison ivy tends to be more of a climbing plant in the urban environment. Out in the wild, you’ll see it more as a ground vine.

You’re also more likely to come across this plant in areas that have been modified by humans, like trails, than you are out in the middle of the forest.

Poison Ivy Treatments

If you suspect that you’ve touched, rubbed up against, or came in contact with this plant, you’ll want to take action. As soon as you come out of the woods, try to wash any potentially affected area with soap and water. Doing this within a few hours can reduce symptoms or even avoid an outbreak altogether.

A rash from poison ivy can take a few days to a week to develop. If you’ve had it before, it might show itself a little sooner. Different people may also have different reaction levels. The rash should appear in a red, streaky manner. Some of the best poison ivy treatments are available over the counter.

Start with an anti-itch or corticosteroid cream. This should help alleviate the itchy feeling but should only be used as directed. If the rash gets out of control or spreads to sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, or genitals, see your doctor right away.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any quick cures or more powerful options to help deal with a poison ivy infection. Some people swear that the best poison ivy treatments they know involve using a cold compress or an oatmeal bath.

A Good Defense

The best way to deal with poison ivy is to avoid it in the first place. That might mean hiking in closed-toe shoes, pants, long sleeves, gloves, etc. Make sure you’re extra careful when your dogs go out into the woods with you. Man’s best friend isn’t allergic to the plant, but it can bring the oil back and infect you later on.

By taking preventative steps, keeping your eyes open, and having remedies on hand, your outdoor plans can go along as planned.