Attention, gardeners and hikers: It’s peak poison ivy season. Each year 50 million Americans suffer from the blistering rash that comes after exposure to poison ivy. With luck, you might be part of the 15% of the general population who doesn’t react to poison ivy. If not, there are steps you can take to avoid the itchy misery of poison ivy. Learn how to identify the plant, steer clear of it in the wild and eradicate it from your property.
Poison ivy is a member of the Toxicodendron, or “toxic tree,” genus and is distinctive for its “leaves of three” — three shiny green leaves on a stalk. Its yellow flowers produce whitish-green berries that birds eat in the fall and winter months, contributing to the spread of the plant after the seeds pass through their digestive systems. In New York state, poison ivy vines climb up trees and buildings, becoming woody and hairy with time. The plant’s leaves can get shockingly big, up to a foot across. It also grows as a ground cover, and can be spread throughout your lawn.
If the plant’s leaves, stem or roots are bruised or damaged, it releases an oily sap called urushiol, which can trigger a severe allergic reaction when it touches your skin. Urushiol is extremely sticky and adheres to clothing, tools and pet fur, allowing it to be spread indirectly to human skin even if you haven’t come into contact with a plant yourself.
Urushiol is so potent that a drop smaller than a grain of salt can cause a skin reaction. An itchy red rash forms within 12 to 24 hours of exposure, often in a line from where the plant or sap first brushed you. Fluid-filled blisters form, followed by crusting and continued itching. The whole process lasts up to two weeks. (It’s a myth that poison ivy itself is contagious; you can only get the rash from its sticky oil.)
To avoid contact with urushiol when you go outside, wear long sleeves, tuck pants into your socks and don gloves if appropriate. You can also use a barrier cream, such as Stokogard, Hollister Moisture Barrier or Ivy Block, which can provide protection for up to five hours.
If you do get in contact with urushiol, wash off your skin within 30 minutes using warm water and a degreasing dishwashing soap, like Dawn Free and Clear. You can also use a degreasing agent like Tecnu or Goop, followed by a warm-water rinse.
Urushiol doesn’t degrade easily: sap on contaminated clothing will be active even a year later. Remove exposed clothes and turn them inside out as soon as possible to avoid further incidental contact with the oil. Put them in the washing machine as soon as you can. If you have jewelry, tools or equipment that’s come in contact with the plans, put on gloves and wipe them down with rubbing alcohol.
If your dog has been in poison ivy, put on gloves and bathe it right away with a pet-safe degreasing detergent like Seventh Generation. Tecnu shampoo or a dandruff shampoo can also be used, with the approval of your vet.
Topical over-the-counter treatments like calamine lotion or 1% cortisone cream can soothe the torment of poison ivy rash. An oral antihistamine like Benadryl or Claritin will minimize itching. Taking a cool short shower helps too, or a lukewarm Aveeno oatmeal bath.
Call your medical provider if you develop the rash near your eyes, mouth or genitals. Other signs of concern are if you develop a fever, if the blisters start oozing pus, if the surrounding skin turns bright red or if the rash is widespread. Oral steroids or antibiotics may be needed.
Credit: University of Georgia Extension Division
To safely and effectively get rid of poison ivy on your property, wear adequate protection, pull the plant up by the roots, bag it and put it in the trash. If you have goats, they love poison ivy, and will happily eradicate it. (Deer eat poison ivy as well.) Never destroy poison ivy with fire. Its smoke can cause a dangerous asthmatic reaction.
Other options include spraying the plant’s leaves every few days with straight white vinegar, or with a mixture of one cup salt, one tablespoon vinegar, one tablespoon dish soap and one gallon water. This will gradually kill the plant. If you use commercial preparations, avoid those containing glyphosates due to health and environmental risks. Try alternatives like Bonide’s Captain Jack’s Deadwood Brew. Professional poison ivy removal services are also available locally.
Mary Jenkins is recently retired after nearly 40 years as a family practice physician in New York state.