During the warmer months of the year, many people head out of doors for exercise. Walking, hiking and running in natural environments are good ways to build stamina, enjoy nature, and get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. However, those who regularly engage in outdoor exercise are also the most likely to encounter poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac. With a little information, you can avoid problems; if they do occur, you can keep them interfering with your routine.
Identification
Poison oak, as well as poison ivy and poison sumac, has characteristics that may allow you to identify by sight, so you can avoid it as you exercise outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that poison oak generally grows as a shrub, poison ivy as a vine, and poison sumac as a wet-area plant. Poison ivy and poison oak can be identified by distinct clusters of three leaves, giving rise to the mnemonic “leaves of three, beware of me.” Poison sumac, by contrast, has 13 leaves per stem.
Stay On the Beaten Track
One of the best ways to avoid exposure to poison oak and other poisonous plants is to stay on established walking or hiking trails. The American Council on Exercise reports that not everyone is able to identify dangerous plants by sight; therefore, staying away from any low-growing vegetation is your best bet. Staying on the trail also prevents you from damaging delicate ecosystems and keeps you from getting lost.
Dress for Success
Another way to avoid poison oak is to dress appropriately. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing long pants, long sleeves and boots. If the weather is warm, wear light synthetic fabrics, or wait to exercise until the heat of the day declines. Some over-the-counter skin creams are designed to keep poison oak oil from penetrating your skin.
Symptom Management
If you do get poison oak, starting treatment immediately can help keep an outbreak from messing up your exercise routine. MayoClinic.com reports that washing an exposed area within 5 to 10 minutes of contact with poison oak may prevent symptoms. Washing later can reduce rash severity, according to the clinic website. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using Hydrocortisone creams or taking an antihistamine to keep the reaction under control and relieve itching; this may help you stick to your routine.
Warning
While most people get an annoying but not dangerous rash after touching poison oak, ivy or sumac, others are dangerously allergic to it. If you experience any of the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as tightening of the throat, seek skilled medical help immediately. Also, if you can, try to avoid scratching. Scratching the rash with dirty fingernails can cause a bacterial infection, which requires treatment with antibiotics.
