What’s the best method for treating poison ivy? Stay away from it! In order to do that, you need to know what it looks like.
In this video, you will get an up close and personal view of poison ivy. It is imperative you commit the identifying characteristics of this plant to memory if you want to avoid the vicious rash that poison ivy causes. Poison ivy loves to grow in areas that have been disturbed in some way shape or form. After a forest fire, poison ivy is often the first bit of green to appear.
One of the most common ways of identifying poison ivy is the simplistic and very easy to remember phrase, “Leaves of three, stay away from me.” We will give you a few more specific things to look for if you are trying to determine whether a plant is truly poison ivy or a look-alike.
– Can grow in a shrub-like structure, or as a vine wrapped around trees
– A red tint on the base of the stalk
– Leaves have jagged edges
– White berries (not every plant will have these)
There is no avoiding the nasty yellow oil that causes the skin irritation. It is in every part of the plant. Your best bet is to avoid poison ivy altogether. However, if you are not paying close attention, there is a possibility you will end up walking through it while exploring the great outdoors. If you are wearing long pants or any other clothing that may have come in contact with the poison ivy, you need to be careful.
When you take the clothing off, there is a good chance the oil will end up getting on your skin. If you suspect you have been around poison ivy, take your clothes off in a way that will prevent the oil from transferring to your skin. Wash the clothing (separate from the regular laundry) immediately.
It is possible for your dog to get the oil on their fur, which will transfer to you if you pet it. If your dog went on your hike with you, use caution. It is best you wash the dog before you get back home.
You can certainly enjoy the outdoors without fear of breaking out into a nasty rash if you simply take the time to learn about your surroundings.
Craig Caudill shares his knowledge of the outdoors at Dan’s Depot which is an online camping shop. He also is the chief instructor at his Nature Reliance School.
