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So…what does poison ivy look like?
If you’re like me, then you’ve probably never come across a poisonous plant in person.
Identifying poison ivy can be tricky, which is why having some photos on hand when hiking can be life-saving.
From poison oak to sumac, there are many different poisonous plants that get misconstrued as ivy.
In this post, I’ll show you how to identify poison ivy along with some methods of treatment if you happen to come in contact with the plant!
What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?
Poison Ivy has three leaves with a glossy & hairy texture. The leaves also have smooth or rough edges and change color with the seasons.
Note that poison ivy looks…
- Reddish in spring
- Green in summer
- yellow, orange, and red in fall
You’ll typically see poison ivy attached to a long vine that trails along shrubs, trees, or the ground.
Look closely and you may find its whiteish-yellow berries and green/white flowers within its stems.
Besides Alaska, Hawaii, and California, poison ivy grows predominantly in forest areas.
Poison Ivy Rash Stages
The urushiol-contaminated oil that poison ivy produces sticks to your skin and gradually stimulates an allergic reaction.
This infamous rash can seem impossible to get rid of and can last weeks, typically shown as red blotches on the skin’s surface.
How To Treat Poison Ivy
There’s no instant cure for poison ivy-induced rashes just yet, but here are some proven methods of treatment that you should consider…
- Soak and rub the contacted area with water.
- Apply a topical lotion designed to treat urushiol.
- Baking soda, colloidal oatmeal, zinc acetate, and aluminum acetate help relieve rash symptoms.
Here’s a poison ivy scrub that you can use to remove urushiol and prevent further irritation…
Key Steps For Rash Prevention & Care
- Rinse the contacted area with cool water and scrub vigorously
- It’s important that you know how to identify poison ivy so that you can avoid it. Study its shape, texture, and structure closely.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when gardening or exploring greenery outdoors.
- Apply a topical ointment to reduce inflammation and overall itch if you come in contact.
- Use Poison Ivy wash to remove the urushiol.
A Disclaimer
If you happen to experience prolonged periods of intense itchiness or pain, contact your nearest health professional immediately!