Poison ivy is responsible for about 350,000 cases of skin
poisoning each year. The best protection is to be able to recognize and then to
stay away from the plant. If you are not certain you can recognize poison IVY,
don't hesitate to ask about it.
The plant grows in the form of clinging vines,
shrubs which trail on the ground, and erect shrubbery. It clings to stone and
brick houses, climbs trees and poles, flourishes along fences, paths and
roadways, and may be partially hidden by other foliage.
The leaves, one to four inches in length, are green and
glossy in summer, red or russet in spring and fall. The leaves always grow in
clusters of three; this is the one constant characteristic that makes poison
ivy easy to recognize even though it assumes many forms and leaf colorings.
"Leaflets three, let it be" is an old jingle and a good one to
remember.
The irritating substance in poison ivy is the oily sap in leaves,
flowers, fruit, stems, bark, and roots. Most cases of ivy poisoning are due to
direct contact with the plant-at any time, even in winter. Some come from
handling clothing, garden tools, and pets contaminated by the oily lap.
If you
realize that you have accidentally handled poison ivy, wash your skin as soon
as possible, preferably with yellow laundry soap. Lather several times and
rinse in running water after each sucking. This removes or makes less
irritating any oil that has not already penetrated the skin. Ivy poisoning
manifests itself first in burning and itching.
A rash and swelling follow, and there may be blisters, large
or small. The interval between contact and first symptom can vary all the way
from a few hours to a week. If there are large blisters, severe inflammation or
fever, or if the inflammation is on face or genital area, a doctor's help is
needed.
He will be able to relieve discomfort and guard against secondary
infections until the attack subsides, as it eventually does. When there are
only a few small blisters on hands, arms, or legs, apply compresses of very hot
plain water for brief intervals. Or apply a com- press soaked in dilute Burow's
solution (1 part to 15 parts of cool water). Your druggist can supply Burow's
solution.
