Exposure to the oils of the Poison Ivy plant, known as Urushiol, can cause intense skin irritation. Individual sensitivity to Urushiol varies, but usually results in an itchy red rash and oozing blisters. The best way to avoid the rash is to avoid the plant known as Poison Ivy.
Avoiding Poison Ivy Not Always Easy
While the best way to avoid a poison ivy rash may be to avoid contact with the plant, identifying the three-leafed nemesis is not always so easy. According to the University of Connecticut pest management program, the plant takes on many appearances and can grow in sun, shade or stealthily coexist with other plants such as vines.
Poison Ivy leaves may be globed, toothed, smooth or with hairy undersides. Seasonal variations make it hard to identify the plant by color as the leaves may appear bright green in spring and red or yellow in the fall. Leaves of three is a common adage to help identify the plant, because leaves are arranged in a grouping with one central leaf protruding from two side leaves on its own stem. These leaves grow from a woody stalk. The stalk is often described as hairy, due to the presence of small rootlets on its underside. These rootlets secure the plant in its growth, whether it is carpeting the ground, or climbing trees or fence posts.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology website, Poison Ivy has different growth patterns in different parts of the country. These growth patterns influence the plant’s appearance and make it more difficult to identify. In the east, midwest and south, for example, poison ivy grows as a vine. This vine can assume an upright habit, such as is seen growing over fences or trees, but just as commonly, it grows along the ground, creating a leafy carpet several inches high. In areas of the west, where it grows, as well as portions of the north and the Great Lakes states, it takes the form of a small shrub.
Poison Ivy Rash
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a rash develops when a person has a sensitivity or allergy to Urushiol. Only about 15% of people seem to be completely resistant to Urushiol. Those that aren’t may not experience symptoms with first exposure, but can plan on developing sensitivity over time. Working in reverse, those with sensitivity in childhood usually see their sensitivity decline as they reach young adulthood. Allergies to poison ivy may disappear entirely.
While there are many treatments, there are no miracle cures for poison Ivy. For mild cases, treatment can involve cool showers and the use of over the counter remedies such as Calamine Lotion to ease the itch and help to dry up the rash. Soaking in oatmeal baths or baking soda preparations can help to ease the severity of the symptoms. For severe cases with swelling, or in the event of a severe allergic reaction, a physician may need to prescribe corticosteroids to ease the inflammation.
Eradicating the Poison Ivy Plant
When the poison ivy plant makes its home in one's yard, the best defense is to eliminate the vine and its roots. The University Of Connecticut Pest Management Program says that mowing vines living on the ground can be effective, but repeat mowings will be necessary. The goal is to continuously cut down young shoots until they die.
It is also possible to pull the plant from the ground, particularly if the soil is wet. This method has its drawbacks as even a small section of buried root, if left in the ground, will resprout and grow. Vines growing on trees may be cut at the ground, but the roots will have to be dug up and disposed of to keep the plant from sending up new shoots.
The best and often most effective means of destroying poison ivy is through a chemical application containing Glyphosate. Glyphosate is marketed under the trade names of Roundup and Kleenup, but the University of Connecticut recommends reading the label to make certain the product contains Glyphosate or is designed to kill poison Ivy.
Poison Ivy can be toxic at any time of year, so it is always advisable to wear long clothing and wear gloves when disposing of it, even in the cooler months. Urushiol oil can remain on anything it touches for long periods of time so clothing and gloves should be thoroughly laundered after use. Even tools should be washed to avoid contamination.
