How To Recognize and Avoid Poison Ivy
- August 2, 2008
- 62,219 Views
Writer
blairfell
Music (track 1, 3)
Edison Music Corp
Music (track 2)
Kyle Hildenbrand
Voice Over Artist
Gina Limbrick
- Show:
- Guide
- Transcript
Life is not always a walk in the woods, but when it is, make sure you don’t step in the poison ivy.
You Will Need
- Sharp eyes
- Long sleeves and pants
- A poison ivy-specific cleanser
Step 1: Memorize this saying
Before you go meandering among the woodland creatures, memorize this saying: “Leaves of three don’t touch me.” This pretty much says everything you need to know about avoiding poison ivy.
If you know you’re going to be in an area with poison ivy, carry a poison ivy-specific cleanser, like Tecnu or Zanfel, to immediately wash off the oil should you come into contact with the plant. This can help avoid or greatly reduce an outbreak.
Step 2: Recognize “leaves of three”
Know what “leaves of three” look like. Poison ivy’s compound leaf is made of two pointed leaves of the same size directly across from each other. The middle leaf will have a slightly longer stalk and come at the end of the stem.
Step 3: Beware both a bush and a vine
Be aware that poison ivy can grow as a bush or a vine.
Poison ivy can come in different colors, too, depending on the time of year and stage of the plant’s life. Besides green, it can also be red, yellow, or orange.
Step 4: Notice the leaf’s texture
Notice the texture of the leaf. If it’s furry, it’s not poison ivy. If it’s smooth, be careful. The edges of the leaf can be either smooth or have teeth.
Step 5: Avoid everything that resembles poison ivy
Since poison ivy can take many shapes and forms, the best idea is to avoid anything that has three leaves. Why take a chance?
Step 6: Wear long pants and sleeves
No matter how vigilant you plan to be, wear long pants and long sleeves if you’re walking through bushes and vines.
Don’t tromp. When the leaf or stem of the poison ivy plant breaks, it releases urushiol, the oil that causes the allergic reactions.
Step 7: Exercise caution with pets or clothing
You can be exposed to poison ivy sap via your clothing or pets. So be careful with anything you know has been rolling around in the bushes.
Step 8: Avoid mowing or burning poison ivy
Avoid mowing or burning poison ivy. Both methods of destroying the plants can get sap on your skin or into your lungs.
Eighty percent of the population is allergic, and the twenty percent who aren’t can become allergic at any time without warning.
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Comments (11)
Good information with good visuals.
over 3 years ago by jerryctgc
As a hiker/flyfisherman, I regularly encounter poison oak/ivy. Also, I am HIGHLY allergic to it. After years of experience, if I know or suspect I have come into contact with it, I get to water as quickly as possible and use the flowing water and river sand/rocks to scrub the site. Years of doing this without any outbreaks. I think the time you have to get the oil from your skin is 15 minutes, so there is a little buffer.
over 2 years ago by swipper_74
she said the poison can be anywhere
about 1 year ago by MrMattSung
Vinegar is the best ";cleanser";. Way more affective on Poison Oak than Technu....and CHEAP. Every hiker of any worth rocks a little vinegar in their pack.
over 2 years ago by Ryan_Troy
wat?
i cant understand what xuelai3000 said
over 2 years ago by nikkipie
she said the poison can be anywhere
about 1 year ago by MrMattSung
危险无处不在！~
over 2 years ago by xuelai3000
Or you can say ";leaves of 3 let it be
over 2 years ago by bunnylover1217
this poison ivy look like dee
about 1 year ago by Huler_Dewayne_Dixon
Thank you for the great visuals. I have a small garden, and found out why I have a rash under my right arm, thanks to you. Didn't have poison ivy growing in it last year, but it is all over the garden this year. Any tips?
about 1 year ago by mindy56
They missed the quote. It's not ";...don't touch me";. It's a freaking play on the word leaf using the homonym of the plural of leaf! Leaves - leave. ";Leaves of three; Leave it be.";
Grrr. Fume! Sputter. Ack!
about 1 year ago by ZuperDave
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