Wednesday, June 26, 2013

If you are gardening or working around your property and come into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, it can take a few hours to several days after exposure to the sap for signs to show.

Poison Ivy can be found throughout the United States except Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of the West Coast according to the FDA. Each leaf has three glossy leaflets, with smooth or toothed edges.

Poison Oak grows as a low shrub in the eastern United States, and in tall clumps or long vines on Pacific Coast. Fuzzy green leaves in clusters of three are lobed or deeply toothed with rounded tips.

Poison Sumac grows as a tall shrub or small tree in bogs or swamps in Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast. Each leaf has clusters of seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets.

All three plants undergo color changes throughout their growing season and may also sport small clusters of light colored berries.

The FDA's tips for prevention are as follows:

• Wash your garden tools and gloves regularly. If you think you may be working around poison ivy, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into boots, and gloves.
• Wash your pet if it may have brushed up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Use pet shampoo and water while wearing rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves. Most pets are not sensitive to poison ivy, but the oil can stick to their fur and cause a reaction in someone who touches them.
• Wash your skin in cool water as soon as possible -- the sooner you cleanse the skin, the greater the chance that you can remove the plant oil or help prevent further spread.
• Use topical over the counter (OTC) "Ivy Block" if you know you will come into contact with the poisonous plants.

Learn what poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants look like so you can avoid them by clicking here.

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