June 27, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II& III • Page 15 Poison ivy grows just about anywhere in the United States and Canada, with the lone exceptions including the far west, deserts, and areas of high elevation. Therefore, millions of people can easily come into contact with the plant. Urushiol, the oil inside the poison ivy plant, can cause different types of irritation. For most, it causes a very irritating skin rash. Toxins from poison ivy can also be inhaled if poison ivy is burned. This can cause lung irritation and may necessitate a trip to the hospital. Poison ivy grows as a trailing vine or a low shrub in most areas. The adage “leaves of three, leave them be” is often used to help identify poison ivy, but it can still be difficult to recognize poison ivy from other weeds and shrubs. Each leaf on poison ivy has three smaller leaflets. The middle leaf- Avoid an itchy situation: Learn to recognize poison ivy let has a longer stalk than the two on the sides. While penetration of urushiol into the skin can take mere minutes, rashes tend to develop later on. A person may not realize he or she has come in contact with the irritant until hours later. In many cases, a first contact with poison ivy will not lead to a rash. However, repeat exposure can trigger an allergic reaction. Research indicates that approximately 85 percent of people exposed to poison ivy develop an allergic reaction. However, some are immune. Others may experience decreased sensitivity as they age. If you are exposed to poison ivy, you may develop a rash shortly afterward. It could start as a small, itchy spot and spread. Serious reactions may cause large pustules filled with fluid to develop. A poison ivy rash can last up to three weeks for some. Itching can be alleviated with cool showers, topical lotions, and oatmeal baths. The best way to avoid a reaction is to simply avoid contact with the plant. Wear long pants and socks when hiking through brush. If you are removing poison ivy, wear thick gloves, because the urushiol is in the vines and leaves. Thoroughly wash all items you believe have come in contact with the plant. If you can afford it, discard anything that has had major contact. Poison ivy is thought to affect only humans; birds, rabbits, and other animals don’t seem to be afflicted by the oil. However, urushiol can attach to the fur of pets and be transferred to people who pet their animals. If your dog or cat has been playing in poison ivy prone areas, don a pair of gloves and wash the pet well. If a serious reaction occurs from poison ivy, go to the hospital or consult a doctor. Prescription medications may be needed to reduce swelling.