Poison Ivy and Kin

Poison Ivy is a common native plant in the Washington, DC and throughout the mid-Atlantic area. It has 3 leaves per leaflet on alternate sides of the stem (see photo at right). It can be an upright stick or bush, a shrub or climbing vine. Leaves are green, red or yellow (autumn), and it develops clusters of small berries which birds just love to eat and poop to start new plants everywhere. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac contain a poisonous, oily irritant called urushiol. This oil is found on the plant's stem, roots, branches, and leaves. The urushiols chemically bond to skin proteins within 20 minutes after exposure to the plants (including dormant plants or long-dead prunings), contaminated clothes or tools, or even contaminated pets. Contact with this annoying oil produces a rash in three out of four people. The rash can begin within a few hours after contact, or it can start three to five days later. The rash starts with itchiness and swelling, followed by a reddish inflammation of tiny pimples. Blisters then form and then couple in a chain-like reaction. This fluid then hardens to a yellowish crust. Left untreated, the rash (a typical histamine response) will last three to five weeks.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What can I do to relieve the itch?
   There is no cure for the rash once it begins, only relief of the symptoms. Avoid further contact with the plant oils if possible. Removal of any remaining oils in the early stages of the rash (i.e., first 24-48 hours) can help reduce its severity and duration.

   Minor itching, pain, oozing, and swelling can be relieved with over-the-counter anti-itch treatments that contain zinc acetate, diphenhydramineHCI, menthol zinc oxide, or hydrocortisone. In sever cases a physician can prescribe antihistamine creams, tablets, or shots.

2. Do the blisters cause the rash to spread?
   No. The blisters are the body's natural allergic reaction to poisonous plants. If the blisters break and ooze, the fluid does not contain the oils that cause spreading. Oils from the original contact with the plant that have not bonded with skin cells continue spreading (unless removed) for the first 1 or 2 days. If new areas of rash appear after 3 days, you are getting re-exposed to the plant oils, most likely from contaminated clothing, tools, or even your cat or dog.

3. How long will the rash last?
   Mild cases can last 5-12 days. More severe cases can last up to 30 days or longer, due to re-exposure.

4. Can I get the rash from someone else?
   Generally speaking, no. Once the rash appears (i.e. within 1-3 days), the original oil has all bonded to the victim's skin, so it can't be spread to others.

5. How long do the urushiol oils last?
   OILS DO NOT EVAPORATE and can remain active for a year or longer after being picked up on tools, clothing, animal fur, etc.

6. Should I break the blisters?
   Never break the blisters! An open blister can easily become infected and lead to blood poisoning. If the blisters break, cover loosely with a sterile bandage.

7. I've never gotten the rash before. Can I get it now?
   Yes, you can begin getting the rash at any time during your life. Three out of four people are sensitive to poison oak and ivy. Sensitivity is just a matter of being exposed enough times until the body becomes allergic to the poison oil.

8. Should I wrap or cover the rash with bandages?
   Air is helpful to healing any wound. If you cover the rash with a sterile bandage, cover loosely to allow healing oxygen to reach the surface of the skin. It is important to keep the rash very clean; changing the sterile bandage frequently reduces the risk of infection. Seek medical attention if rash becomes red, feverish or shows other signs of infection.

9. Are dead plants safe to touch?
   No. The poison oils remain toxic and do not evaporate. All parts of the living or dead poison plants, including the roots, contain the urushiol oils. Be especially careful of dead vines on firewood and leafless vines in the winter.

10. Do I need to clean urushiol oil from clothing and tools?
    Yes. The poison oil will remain active on these articles and can cause a rash months, or even years later. Removal of the oil with a thorough cleansing is important to avoid contaminating unsuspecting victims in the future.

11. Can I get the rash from my pets?
    Yes. Since the animals' fur protects their skin from the poison oil, they won't get a rash. However, the oil will remain on their fur and will contaminate you when you touch them. Removal of the poison oil from your pet with a thorough, effective cleanser will help avoid contaminating you and your family with an unwanted and unsuspected rash.

12. Is it possible to get a rash by breathing the smoke of burning poison plants?
    Yes! NEVER BURN IT! Avoid breathing the smoke. The urushiols are carried in the smoke from burning leaves or brush. If you think you have inhaled the oils, see your physician immediately; this can be a very serious condition.

Q&A from Life-Assist, Inc., makers of Oak-N-Ivy Armor, technu and CalcaGel.