POISON IVY AND POISON OAK . . . A LITTLE IS TOO MUCH

Enlarge Image Image Gallery LEFT TO RIGHT: These ridges of blisters are characteristic of a poison ivy or poison oak rash, and are a sure sign that you've wandered through a patch of the toxic plants. Contrary to popular belief, breaking the blisters will not spread the dermatitis. . . The best way to avoid catching the rash is to steer clear of the skin-irritating foliage. Poison oak is a shrubby ground plant that favors shaded woodland areas . . . while poison ivy vines, on the other hand, tend to climb trees or other upright supports. Both species produce a deceptively attractive lush green growth. Learn to recognize the plants by their alternate leaves with three leaflets per frond. . . and you won't mistake the inoffensive five-leaved Virginia creeper vine for its dangerous tri-leaved neighbors (Photos by the Author)

One of the best ways to avoid trouble is to learn how to recognize it when you see it coming!

By Sandra Dark

Show me a homestead that includes a little patch of woods or the tiniest pond, and I'll show you land that likely harbors poison oak and/or poison ivy. The two plants are of different species, but contact with either results in the same itchy symptoms . . . and if you're allergic to one or both of them (and most folks are), these leafy pests can sometimes make the "simple life" very, very complicated.

Over the past five years, I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about the "terrible two" . . . and most of that education was gained the hard way! In fact, my first poison oak outbreak was so severe that even the doctor looked at my swollen, blistered legs and stepped back in alarm! More than a score of other attacks — and a good bit of valuable trial-and-error learning — followed that memorably miserable August. Today, I've learned to share my two acres peacefully (more or less) with the dreaded enemy.

IDENTIFY THE ADVERSARY

The best way to avoid "catching" poison ivy or oak rash is to steer clear of the toxic plants. Unfortunately, few people learn how to identify them until after they've had a dose.

Poison ivy ( Rhus radicans ) is much more widespread — occurring throughout most of the U.S. — than is its "western" cousin poison oak ( Rhus diversiloba ) . . . but both species have alternate leaves with three leaflets per frond. Poison ivy tends to vine (climbing trees, walls, and other upright supports), while poison oak is usually a knee-high shrub growing in shady areas. Both plants are deceptively attractive . . . and invite the unknowing stroller to collect bunches of the decorative foliage.

It's important to know, too, that the dangerous plants are just as toxic during the winter months as they are in summer . . . and if there's any itch worse than that of poison ivy/oak dermatitis during the hot weather, it's the same rash when it's under a heavy wool sweater! Remember always to wear protective gloves if you're working in infested areas during the dormant season. And, when cutting firewood or pruning trees, beware of leafless vines!

THE ENCOUNTER

Obviously, avoiding the troublemakers is the best prevention. But what do you do when your little one proudly hands you a poison oak tri-leaf amid a specially picked bouquet of wildflowers ... or when you gather an armload of dormant poison ivy along with your firewood . . . or when, after spending an entire afternoon clawing roots from a newly cleared garden plot, you notice (too late) that some of the roots belonged to one of the troublesome twosome?

Well, if you see the error of your ways within 15 minutes after first touching the plants, you may be in luck. Contact dermatitis is caused by the raw resin in the leaves, stems, and roots. A thorough scrubbing of the affected area, with an oil solvent, will wash away the resin before it causes irritation. Some authorities recommend using vinegar, rubbing alcohol, cool mugwort tea, or bleach for this purpose. Other sources suggest the use of more powerful oil solvents such as gasoline, nail polish remover, turpentine, paint thinner, or kerosene. (Be warned, however, that the harsh substances can be dangerous themselves if absorbed through the skin.)