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“Leaves of three, let it be,” is an adage that can help us identify poison ivy and stay away from it, but there’s so much of it in our landscape that it’s hard to avoid, especially with exposed ankles.
File Photo
It’s the best time of year to hit the hiking trails of Northeastern Pennsylvania, but you don’t have to take too many steps off the beaten path to realize that shorts aren’t always the best attire for walking in the woods.
Ticks and snakes provide plenty of encouragement to wear boots and long pants in the forest, but poisonous plants can be pervasive and irritating – and locally, we’re talking about poison ivy. “Leaves of three, let it be,” is an adage that can help us identify poison ivy and stay away from it, but there’s so much of it in our landscape that it’s hard to avoid, especially with exposed ankles.
Beyond its characteristic three leaves, poison ivy leaves also have pointed tips and serrated edges. Stems can be red or green and might be covered in small hairs. The plant can grow on the ground, as a shrub or as a climbing vine.
Poison ivy contains urushiol oil, which is the substance that causes an allergic reaction. That’s right, the symptoms of poison ivy exposure are an allergy, and if you’re lucky enough not to have it, you may never itch from this plant.
But for those who have the allergy, symptoms include:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Blisters
Fever
Symptoms can take a few hours to days to develop and usually start with itching, followed by a rash that eventually forms blisters that break and crust over. Those with a more severe allergy would be prone to fever and other serious symptoms.
If you come in contact with poison ivy, and you know it, there are a few things you can do to try to reduce your symptoms.
Avoid touching or rubbing the affected area. Remove exposed clothing and wash it separately in hot water.
Rinse the affected area of skin thoroughly to remove as much toxin as possible. Dish soap or rubbing alcohol can be used during washing. Wash frequently to prevent oils from spreading, and keep the affected area cool and clean.
Most times, treating a reaction from poison ivy can be done at home. Over-the-counter creams like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone can relief itching and dry the rash, but you shouldn’t apply anything topical if you have broken skin or open blisters.
Oral antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin can slow the allergic reaction. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and calm inflammation if applied for 15 minutes several times a day. And colloidal oatmeal baths can relieve itching and soothe skin.
If your symptoms progress beyond an annoyance, it may be time to see a doctor. Visit your primary care physician if:
Your rash is severe and widespread.
Your skin isn’t improving after several weeks.
You have a fever greater than 100°F.
Your rash has spread to your eyes, mouth and genital area.
Your blisters ooze pus.
Your doctor can recommend prescription strength antihistamines or corticosteroids to mitigate your symptoms, and in severe cases, may prescribe antibiotics.
If you have difficulty breathing or lose consciousness after being exposed to poison ivy, call 911 immediately.
Dr. Alfred Casale, a cardiothoracic surgeon, is chief medical officer for surgical services for Geisinger and chair of the Geisinger Heart and Vascular Institute. Readers may write to him via ae@www.timesleader.com.
Dr. Alfred Casale, a cardiothoracic surgeon, is chief medical officer for surgical services for Geisinger and chair of the Geisinger Heart and Vascular Institute. Readers may write to him via ae@www.timesleader.com.