3 Ways to Identify Poison Ivy

1. Identify the Characteristics of the Plant

Poison ivy grows in the Midwest and on the East Coast of the United States and can be found in wet areas near leaves and streams. It can appear as a vine, as a standalone shrub or as a trailing shrub, depending on the environment. Its leaves tend to grow in groups of three, leading to the famous phrase, "leaves of three, leave them be." However, they can cluster in groups as large as nine at times. It tends to have yellow or green flowers and white berries. The stem is often reddish, and the leaves are green but turn red in the fall. Spring and summer are the worst periods for poison ivy because there is plenty of sap in the plants, which is what produces the infamous itching and redness.

2. Know the Symptoms of Poison Ivy

By itself, there's nothing to fear from poison ivy. The trouble is caused by urushiol oil in its sap. The FDA estimates that up to 85 percent of the populace is allergic to urushiol oil, which will cause a painful rash, itching and blisters that ooze or crust over. Scratching at the rash often makes things worse because it spreads the oil further across your skin. The oil can also get on you even if you haven't been in contact with poison ivy: Pets can get the oil on their fur and expose you, and it can brush up against your clothes as well. You won't get a reaction until you put on your coat or pants again and expose your skin to the oil. Fast action is the key to stopping poison ivy symptoms. Wash bare skin with warm soap and water, put your clothes in the laundry promptly and clean any tools or toys that may have come into contact with the plant. Do this even if you don't spot any symptoms. If you can get the oil off of you before it produces a reaction, you can save yourself a lot of grief.

3. Learn Prevention Tactics

Prevention is usually the best way to deal with poison ivy. If you can identify it in your area, you can learn to stay away from it. Always wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when you go outside, and use gloves when performing any yard work. Never burn poison ivy, because urushiol oil is in the smoke and can damage your lungs if you inhale it. Instead, use herbicides to kill the plant or carefully remove it from your garden by hand, taking steps to keep your skin completely covered and washing any clothes or tools you use immediately after you are done.