The nice Spring weather is welcome by all and encourages lots of healthy outside activity. Unfortunately, there are some downsides. Last month, I wrote about the problems of pollens and molds in the air causing asthma and allergy related symptoms. This month I’d like to share some information about another problem which has been on the rise here in the Nurse’s Office- poison ivy.
Poison ivy rash develops due to contact with urushiol, the oil of the poison ivy plant. This oil is present in poison oak and poison sumac as well, and exposure to them can also cause a rash. One can be exposed to urushiol in several ways: by direct contact, having touched the oil of the plant which can be on the roots, stems. or leaves, or by indirect contact, having touched something or some one, with the oil on it or them, such as a pet’s fur, a garden tool, or a soccer ball ( the oil can remain potent on inanimate objects for years). In addition, one can be exposed to urushiol through airborne particles, resulting from burning poison ivy.
One’s first contact with the poison ivy (oak or sumac) usually does not cause any symptoms. In 85% of the population, however, a subsequent contact with the oil will cause the poison ivy (oak or sumac) rash. The rash usually develops within 12-48 hours, beginning with redness and swelling, and progressing towards blisters and severe itching. It generally takes about 2 weeks to heal. Contrary to popular belief, one cannot spread poison ivy from one place to another on their skin by scratching the blisters, because the blisters do not contain urushiol. It may seem to spread when it appears in different areas at different times, but this can be because the oil absorbs more slowly into the thicker areas of skin on the body, or because there were exposures to poison ivy (oak or sumac) at different times. Scratching the blisters is discouraged, however, because bacteria from under the nails could cause an infection.
If contact with poison ivy (oak or sumac) is suspected, immediately wash off the area with water. If this is done within 5-10 minutes, you may be able to prevent the oil from affecting the skin. As soon as possible after this, wash with soap and water. Be careful when removing clothes, as they may contain urushiol oil which may further contaminate you or someone else, rugs, or furniture. If a rash does develop, your health care provider can suggest over the counter medications that may ease the itching. Severe cases of rash can be treated with prescription corticosteroids.
The best weapon in the battle of poison ivy is prevention- and learning to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Pictures of their most common appearance are on this page. I have more detailed pictures on my office door. The rule, “leaves of three, let it be”, is a good one, but unfortunately, some plants always or sometimes have more than 3 leaves. Another method of prevention is to wear long pants and sleeves, gloves and boots when walking in areas that may have poison ivy. Remember that these clothes might carry the oil so they should be taken off carefully. Be wary of pets that have been in the woods- they may have the oil on their coats. Although it won’t affect the animal, you can be exposed by petting him or her.
Please go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. But please keep poison ivy exposure in the back of your mind when your family is enjoying nature walks and other outside activities. Carry water with you so you can rinse off arms and legs that may be exposed. And here’s one more reason to take that daily bath, kids!
Further information, as well as pictures of the rash and plants, can be obtained at the following web sites: Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Its Cousins by the US Food & Drug Administration, and Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac by the American Academy of Dermatology. These sites were used in the preparation of this article.
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