Learning To Spy Poison Ivy

Poison ivy can be a real nuisance, mostly because many people do not know how to identify it or treat the rash they receive from it. Though it can climb up tree trunks and other high things, it is not actually ivy. This can be a source of great confusion. It is actually on a woody stem and often grows low to the ground. If you touch it with any part of your body, even for just a split second, you will probably receive a nasty itching rash, though some people experience no effect from it. This is not the type of plant you would want to test out, however.

The key is knowing where it grows and then being careful in those areas. It is a plant specific to Canada, The United States, and Mexico. Nine times out of ten it grows in the woods, more toward the edges where there is more sunlight. It has been known to be in meadows or even on rocky surfaces, though not so much on mountainous areas. It prefers lower lands. The tricky thing about poison ivy is that it can grow just about anywhere–it grows well both in the shade and the sunshine.

For outdoorsy type of people, it is a necessity to learn about it. It is innocent looking and blends in easily with other plants. Look for plants that have three leaflets grouped together. The leaves will be almond shaped and are smooth with no teeth. In the spring and autumn the leaves will look reddish but in the summer they are green.

Each bundle comes in an alternating pattern on the vine. You may note that the leaves are slightly shiny, which is the substance the plant makes which gives you such discomfort if you come in to contact with it. It is also a plant that produces a fruit, which many people do not realize. There is often a small gray or white berry on the plant.

The vine, if you can see it, will have red hairs on it, and plenty of them. This is key to notice when you are climbing up trees. If you see this vine, stay away. Also note that the leaves may not have teeth, but they do each have a single notch that will make them vaguely resemble mittens.

Rhymes and tricks for remembering the visuals of the plant have been around for centuries. Look up some of the rhymes to help yourself remember. Another interesting fact is that butterflies tend to like poison ivy. Seeing one land on a plant that you are suspicious of is often a good indicator.

Once you have figured out what the ivy is (either by looking it up or by unfortunate first-hand experience), the next step is to learn how to treat the itch if you stumble upon it. If the person goes into anaphylactic shock, get them to a hospital immediately. Sometimes a reaction can be so severe that breathing is very difficult and lose muscle control or fall unconscious. Usually the reaction is merely blistered skin that itches very severely.

Do not scratch at all and keep your hands washed. If you got it on your hands, do not touch any unaffected part of your body because you can spread the rash around easily. Anti-itch creams are the best bet to soothe you. Some have found that taking oatmeal baths reduces the itching, just like it does with the chicken pox.

Are you one of those unlucky individuals who has had a run-in with poison ivy? We have got the ultimate inside skinny on how to treat Poison Ivy Rash as well as Poison Ivy Blisters .