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Most everyone knows to avoid plants with three leaves on them, but that is no easy task. Here is some helpful information regarding the Three-leafed Beast for the next time you encounter its infamous rash.
How Do You Get Poison Ivy?
The plant is more commonly found throughout the east coast of the U.S. and into the Midwest. Although the plant is dormant in the winter months, you may contract poison ivy during any season of the year.
Poison ivy can occur when you come in contact with the plant or any object that has touched the plant, usually clothing or pets. Poison ivy is one of several plants that produce a resin called urushiol (oo-roo-shee-ohl). Exposure to this oily resin usually produces the characteristic itchy, red, raised, circular rash. The rash usually appears within 12 hours to 2 days post-exposure, but it can take up to 10 days for the rash to fully develop. Depending on the environmental conditions, urushiol oil may remain potent for years to decades on inanimate objects. Burning the plant will actually create urushiol vapor, which can produce irritation and a rash in your lungs and airway.
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Can I Prevent Myself from Getting Poison Ivy?
Prevention is the key when it comes to poison ivy; however, it is easier said than done. The primary method of prevention is avoidance of the plant. Wearing protective clothing like pants and long-sleeved shirts provide a barrier to direct contact with any leaves or plants. Wearing vinyl gloves, not rubber gloves, will also prevent contact with the urushiol resin. The oil-based resin is able to penetrate through rubber gloves, so be sure to use the vinyl gloves if you know you may come into contact with the plant.
Another option is a product called Ivy Block® (bentoquatam). It must be applied before exposure and periodically thereafter. It is designed to block the urushiol oil from coming into contact with the skin.
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