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August Health Tip from Deb Johnoff, Nurse Practitioner

Most people are not allergic to poison ivy. However, for those who are, it is very beneficial to recognize and avoid the plant. The rash is a response to oleoresin urushiel, a substance found on poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. Poison ivy is the most common in our area.

Poison ivy may be found as a single plant or in a large patch in the woods, fields, or in your backyard. It is usually 10” – 24” tall. The leaves are always in a group of three, often with a reddish tint to the leaf stem. In the fall it may bear tiny white berries. It dies down in the winter, although if an allergic person clears a brush pile containing the dormant plant, he may still get the rash and symptoms.

Symptoms
Poison ivy rash appears within 12-48 hours after contact. The rash consists of Intensely itchy red patches with small blisters appear suddenly where the plant has touched the skin. Some blisters may be in a line. A rash may occur at other body sites due to transfer of plant resin by your hands. For example, wiping sweat off your face can cause the rash to appear there. Once resin is washed off the hands and clothes, spread from the lesions does not occur.

A very healthy patch of poison ivy along Fairview road.

For more information:
MU Health Sciences Library