Poison Ivy is a plant that is widely found through the majority of North America and is available in two main varieties – Western, or Pacific, and Atlantic. The importance with Poison Ivy, which grows as ground cover and can become large bushes, is that it contains an oil – Urushiol – that, when it comes into contact with our skin, causes very nasty blistering and irritation. It is imperative to understand that the oil occurs not just in the leaves but in all of the plant, including the root and the stem, and it is the immune system operating against the poison, as it seeps into the skin, that is the originator of the pain we undergo.

It may seem pointless to us that at plant should be poisonous, but like most living things Poison Ivy has its position in the ecosystem. The way it grows is interesting as it gives shelter for lower growing plants and ground dwelling animals, and the majority of these are, unlike humans, not affected by the oil. Plus, Poison Ivy bears berries that are an important foodstuff for a variety of bird species.

The patient will very quickly undergo irritation in the skin, combined with severe itching and inflammation in the infected area. The skin will become discolored and a burning irritation will occur, and in a short period blisters will form along with the rash. Suffering can go on for many weeks or may be done with within days, and every case is different. It is suggested that cooling the skin is a good antidote and also prevents further infection. There are many important facts that people need to be aware of about Urushiol oil, and the first is that it is very potent indeed. Research has indicated that a particle of the oil the size of a pin-head could be enough for 500 people, and as it is not a water based substance it will not evaporate. The latter problem presents a major obstacle as it means the oil can stay on items it has been in contact with for as long as, and maybe longer than, a year. This presents the possibility of re-infection, or of anyone who has not been in contact with the plant being affected. Clothes, shoes, tools and pets can all be party to the oil, and the very small amounts required to cause suffering give it greater potency. Gloves and coats, and also boots, are among the commonest causes of Poison Ivy infection and should be scrubbed thoroughly if contamination is suspected. How we can become infected There are a variety of ways that an individual can come into contact with the oil from Poison Ivy, and transfer from preciously contaminated clothing and other items is one way as we have already noted. The reason that we suffer when having been contaminated by the oil is because of the natural reaction it promotes, and it is notable that direct contact with the plant is not essential to induce a reaction. If Poison Ivy is burned the smoke is contaminated with vaporized oil, and even coming into contact with this mixture can cause an attack. It has been said that a 100 year old oil once affected a sufferer, an indication of how much trouble the plant can be. Anything that has touched the sap of the plant needs to be avoided, therefore, and animals kept away from Poison Ivy bushes.

It is important that treatment is initiated immediately, and the best method is to wash the problematic area in warm water. A popular recommendation is to use a very well tried antimicrobial soap and to do all one can to stop the patient from scratching, as this will spread the trouble ever more. It is imperative to open the blisters, too, and to give the area of infection exposure to the air. Keeping blisters wrapped is vital in order not to allow infection. Remember that it is simply the oil that will allow the infection to spread, so contact with it should be treated with caution. The condition will, eventually, clear up completely, but there are treatments available for the irritation and for the worst reactions. It is the domain of the individual whether to wait for it to subside or to invite further help. Some individuals are fortunate in that they have no sensitivity to Poison Ivy, but these are few and far between and most of us would be infected by coming into contact with the bush. If one sees Poison Ivy the best advice we can give is the most obvious – avoid it very carefully and don’t let your pet near it.