How to Identify Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are members of the cashew family. All of these noxious weeds emit a poisonous sap that is extremely irritating to skin. Poison sumac and poison oak are shrubs that are not as widespread as poison ivy. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has photos and identification information for Poison Sumac, [1] found in Eastern Canada and the United States, and you can find lots of links, resources, information and even extensive pictures of rashes caused by these poisonous plants at the Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Information Center. [2]
Facts, Photos and Description of Poison Ivy:
Poison ivy (Rhus radicans L.) is extremely variable in both its habit of growth and kinds of habitat. It grows in deep woods or in the open; in dry, sandy areas, crevices of rocks, or swamps; along the borders of woods, fencerows, or roadsides. You're not safe even in your own garden, and you may be surprised to find it growing in your flower beds or shrubbery.
Description
Poison ivy is a woody perennial which may grow as dwarf, shrubby plants only a few centimetres high and carpeting the ground, or as upright plants 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) high, or the vine-like form may twine around trees, shrubs and posts, and reach a considerable distance above the ground.
"Leaflets three - Let it be!" Each leaf of poison-ivy consists of three leaflets so the leaf is said to be "compound". The stalk of the middle leaflet is longer than the stalks of the 2 side leaflets. All 3 leaflet stalks are joined together at the tip of one much longer stalk which is called the petiole. The other end of the petiole is attached to the woody stem at a node or "joint". There is only one petiole at each node and, when there are several leaves they usually alternate from one side of the stem to the other at successive nodes.
In spring and early summer the young unfolding leaflets are reddish or bronzy green and droop or hang limply from the ends of their upraised petioles. They gradually become firmer and their color also changes to deep to bright green. Their upper surface is nearly smooth and sometimes has a glossy appearance. In bright, sunny areas the leaves turn a vivid orange-red to wine-red during autumn, but in shaded places they often just turn dull tan or light brown before dropping off.
Although the leaflets are somewhat oval, they vary greatly in shape and size. Their margins vary from perfectly smooth to finely or coarsely toothed, to deeply and irregularly lobed. Undersides of the leaflets may be finely hairy all over, or just along the veins and veinlets, or may be virtually without hairs.
 Shortly after the leaves have formed in the spring, clusters of small, erect, greenish-white flowers develop on some plants in the angles where the leaf petioles join the stem. They are often hidden by the leaves. During the summer these flowers develop small round hard berries about 5 mm (1/5 in.) in diameter.
After the leaves have dropped in the fall, poison ivy can be identified easily by the clusters of grayish to white, waxy-looking berries on short, erect, bare stems which have alternately arranged
buds and leaf-scars. The berries are distinctly longitudinally lined,
and upon close examination may remind one of a miniature peeled orange. Some fruits vary from the typical, and may be quite hairy.
Control of Poison Ivy
Although poison ivy can be controlled by digging out the roots and stems, it is almost impossible to remove every underground stem so regrowth is likely. Herbicides (chemical weed-killers) are more effective and reduce the danger of receiving poison ivy dermatitis either by direct contact
with the plant or indirectly by touching contaminated tools.
Unfortunately, all herbicides which kill poison ivy may also kill
nearby plants. If poison ivy is growing among
perennials, in a hedge, or entwined about a favorite tree,
you may have to cut and dig to destroy it. Wear gloves and
other protection while cutting and digging. Take care also to prevent other persons from being inadvertently contaminated by the tools, the
roots, stems and leaves, or by the smoke if the material is burned.
Several herbicides (chemical weed-killers) provide good control of poison ivy. These herbicides can be bought under many different trade or brand names. Detailed directions for use are printed on the labels. Follow the manufacturer's directions and, for safety's sake, read the label carefully and observe all suggested precautions.
Herbicides are most effective if applied anytime from
when the foliage is fully developed until the plants begin to go dormant. Some regrowth of the weed may
occur after it has been treated. Examine the area periodically and repeat treatment if regrowth appears. In this manner, poison ivy can often be eliminated from an area.
A 2- or 3-gallon sprayer is the most convenient method of applying
herbicides to patches of poison ivy. Thorough coverage of every plant
in the area is essential for maximum effect. All leaves and stems must be thoroughly wet to the ground line. After spraying, leave the area
alone until the plants die, then gather the dead stems and burn them. Caution! Even at this stage take care as poisoning
may be brought about by handling the dead plants or by contact with
the smoke.
 Harmful Effects of Poison Ivy
Poison ivy has a distressing toxic action on the skin of people who
become sensitized to it. The offending substance is an
oil present throughout root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit.
Tearing or bruising of any part liberates the oil that may come in contact with the exposed parts of the body, either directly or by handling contaminated
objects.
This oil may stick to clothing, especially boots, tools, or picnic
baskets and is easily transferred to the hands and face from these contaminated articles. It can also be transmitted to persons who have not been directly exposed at all, by touching, rubbing or handclasp.
Pets can also become contaminated by running through patches of poison ivy. Although animals do not react to the poison, a sensitive person can
be poisoned merely by petting a contaminated animal. The oil is also
said to be vaporized by heat such as would be present in a bonfire or
a smudge. The vapour thus formed may be carried by the smoke and if
a susceptible person walks through the smoke or inhales it, very serious reactions may result. The oil may also be vaporized, or sprayed out
like an atomizer, from fresh plants as they are being cut and contaminate a nearby person or the person's clothing even though there is no direct contact with the poison ivy plant.
Individuals vary greatly in susceptibility to ivy poisoning and many
have never suffered any ill effects. However, those in the latter category should not take for granted that they are immune for all time.
 Treatment of Poison Ivy DermatitisIf contact with poison ivy occurs, or with an article thought to be contaminated with its oil, wash the contaminated parts of the body immediately with soap and water. Soap helps remove the toxic oily substance from the skin. Lather the contaminated areas repeatedly and rinse thoroughly between latherings. The sooner after exposure and the more completely that the oily material can be removed from the skin by washing, the less likely that a reaction will develop; and if it does develop, the less severe it is likely to be.
If a rash does develop, it is best to consult your physician to confirm that the cause is, in fact, poison ivy and to decide on the best course of treatment for you.
The first sign of poisoning by poison ivy or its relatives, is a dermatitis usually characterized by a light itching, followed by a faint blush
on the skin. The itching sensation increases and a few hours to some
days later small watery blisters appear. In cases of mild susceptibility these may be no more than shiny dots upon the skin which go no further; in other cases they eventually burst to become irritating, oozing sores which finally dry up, forming scabs. A very severe attack may upset
the health completely for a time. Restlessness and raised temperatures may occur, accompanied by severe itching of the affected parts. This may necessitate complete rest in bed.
Numerous treatments have been used, often indiscriminately and without regard to their exact purpose. Some may be the application of healing agents, others are merely designed to give relief from irritation. | Common Treatments for Itching and Rashes Caused by Poison Ivy |
| Antihistamines | Lotions |
| Antihistamines, if taken soon after exposure to poison ivy and continued for 2 or 3 days, usually help reduce the intensity of the body's reaction. Some of the newer over-the-counter antihistimines are less sedating
than others and should be considered where alertness is important. | Lotions, such as Calamine, may be applied to the affected areas between baths or between applications of compresses. Because some people react
to the benadryl in Caladryl lotion, Calamine would be preferable. |
| Baths | Compresses | Once the blisters have formed, avoid scratching or rubbing. Soothing baths in lukewarm water, with or without additives, will often give relief from the intense itching.
The following may be used as additives to the bath water:
oatmeal [about 250 ml (1 cup) mixed first in 1 L
(1 quart) of cold water and added to the tub of water]
a commercially available oat material, "Aveeno" powder [follow manufacturer's directions but mix the powder first in 1 L (1 quart) of cold water before adding to the warm water in the tub]
or potassium permanganate crystals [5 ml or 5 g (1 tsp) of crystals in a tub of water]. At concentrations
stronger than 5 ml (1 tsp) per tub of water, potassium permanganate
has a drying effect on the skin. It may cause burns on sensitive skin, and both the crystals and solution may be fatal if taken internally. | Soothing compresses can be very effective in reducing the soreness and itchiness of dermatitis.
A simple, readily available compress can be made with equal parts of whole milk and cold water in a bowl with ice cubes. Soak a face cloth, towel or other cloth in the solution, wring it out lightly and apply to the affected areas several times per day for 2 or 3 days.
Other solutions for compresses can be made with baking soda or with
a commercial product containing aluminum acetate and available under
the name "Burosol powder" or "Burow's solution".
The powder is sold in individual packets. Mix one packet in 100 mL (5
oz or about half a glass) water to dab on affected areas or in more
water for a compress. The solution is mixed 1 part to 10-16 parts water for a compress. Do not use aluminum acetate if the skin is broken or
if the blisters are oozing or beginning to form scabs. It must not be
used in a bath. |
Persons with severe local reactions or reactions over a large part
of their body should consult a physician for more intense therapy. In
instances where a physician prescribes oral or topical medications,
these should be continued for the full period as prescribed. If the
medication is stopped too early, the rash may rebound.
Clean clothing contaminated by poison ivy thoroughly and repeatedly
wash with soap and water, or dry clean. Take great care in handling
contaminated clothing. If the materials will not withstand washing and must be sent to a dry cleaner, wrap them carefully and label conspicuously
with "Contaminated by poison ivy". The oil of poison ivy will remain on clothing and footwear for an indefinite period. If this clothing
or footwear is subsequently handled or worn by the original wearer or
by any other person at a later time, it may give rise to a repeat of
dermatitis.
 Cross Reactivity
Because several other kinds of plants are related to poison ivy and poison sumac, those related plants or some of their products may cause a similar dermatitis reaction in sensitive people. If a person has been sensitized to poison ivy, that person may, in future, react to such things as the rind of the mango fruit, Japanese lacquer, India marker
ink, the oil from the cashew nut shell such as found on some elaborate swizzle sticks, and the fruit pulp of the Ginkgo tree.
Recognition and Cooperation are Essential
Poison ivy is classified as a noxious weed. Everyone should learn to recognize poison ivy. Municipal councils, road authorities, summer resort owners, persons in charge of parks and conservation areas, and the general public are urged to control this weed wherever feasible. Cooperation and united effort are essential. But the ultimate responsibility falls to each
person: learn to recognize it; teach others to recognize it; and avoid contact with it.Source:
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.
© 2005 Queen's Printer for Ontario [3]
Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac Plants
Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, each year
10 to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after
contact with Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac
Plants. The invisible oily resin called urushiol causes the
ill effects of these poisonous plants.
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac is found in every state except
Alaska and Hawaii. These plants are important to the
eco-systems where they thrive. The small, white or bluish
berries found on the ivies feed a number of birds and small
animals. The irritants found in urushiol oil do not effect
most animals and the tangles from the plants serve as
shelter.
This oily resin can stay on pets, shoes, hiking boots,
clothes, toys, garden tools, lawn mowers and anything else
that has made contact. In fact, the oil stays active on any
surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.
Symptoms
After making contact, the reaction (called dermatitis) may
include a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch.
Scratching does not spread the outbreak but may cause
infection because it allows bacteria from dirt on the hands
to enter the skin. Symptoms can last ten days to several
weeks to heal.
Mild Symptoms:
* Severe redness
* Signs of infection, such as pus
* Rash in mouth, eyes, or genital area
* Rash on a large portion of your body or face
* Mild symptoms can be treated with simple and natural home
remedies. See below.
Severe Symptoms:
* Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing
* Weakness or dizziness
* Bluish lips and/or mouth
* Unconsciousness
* Severe Symptoms need immediate emergency medical care.
Caution:
NEVER burn poison ivy. Burning these poisonous plants puts
the urushiol resin in the air and can get in your lungs and
possibly your neighbor's lungs. If you get poison ivy in
your lungs, you will need to go to the hospital.
Pet Alert:
The only threat to resin on our pets is if it is rubbed off
onto other things or people. If your pet merely has the
bumps and is itching, you can not catch it from them.
Treatment:
Because urushiol is a oily resin and not a water based
fluid, it will not evaporate and it can linger for several
years.
Use mild soap and cold or cool water to wash off the resin.
Do not use hot water because it opens your skin pores and
thus absorb more of the oil.
You may want to apply rubbing alcohol to the affected
area(s) with cotton balls, and then rinse again with cold
water. You can apply calamine lotion, a zinc oxide
ointment, or baking soda paste (3-tsp. soda to 1-tsp.
water) to the affected area(s), or soak in an oatmeal bath,
to relieve the symptoms somewhat.
Generally, the best treatment is time - the rash and
itching should go away on its own in one to two weeks. Try
to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face,
and scratch as little as possible, as this will irritate
the rash further and may introduce infection.
This article is for general information only and not
intended for or to replace any medical advice. Always check
with your doctor for treatment of any health condition.
About the Author:
Wayne McDonald is a health care professional and public
speaker for safe natural treatments of annoying and
burdensome health challenges. Learn more at www.OurFamilyHealth.com/poison-oak [4]
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