Poison Ivy Protection

If you have never had a poison ivy reaction, consider yourself very lucky. The vast majority of the population is allergic to this toxic plant that grows in abundance all across the United States. The best poison ivy protection is education. Learn what the plant looks like and where it grows so you can avoid coming into contact with it to begin with.

The poison ivy plant is characterized by three pointed leaves with the middle leaf being longer than the two on the sides. It is a ’shrub-like’ plant that can climb up tree trunks with small vines. In the springtime the poison ivy leaves are red and they turn green during the summer months and then yellow, orange or dark red in the fall.

Poison ivy is found growing in tall grass, in wooded areas and along roadsides. It is a hardy plant and you cannot kill this plant by simply cutting it away. The roots have to be completely removed from the ground in order to eradicate it completely.

Poison ivy protection can also take the form of dressing properly when venturing out. If you are planning on being in the tall grass or are going to be hiking in the woods, it is recommended that you wear closed toe shoes, socks and long pants. This is to  prevent your skin from coming into direct contact with the toxic plant. Be warned however that a poison ivy reaction can be contracted indirectly by touching clothing that has rubbed up against the plant or even by touching garden tools that have been in direct contact with poison ivy.

Another method to ensure the best poison ivy protection is to remove the plants from your property. Dogs and cats can carry urushiol, the sticky substance that creates the allergic reaction, on their fur and bring it into your home. By sitting or laying on the furniture in your home, they can leave urushiol on the surfaces of the furniture that you can then contract by sitting on the furniture.
 
The FDA has approved bentoquatam 5% as a protection against poison ivy. This is sold under the trade name of Ivy Block. It provides a protective barrier if you apply it to your skin at least fifteen minutes before exposure and can be reapplied every few hours. This treatment is not recommended to be used if you already have a poison ivy rash.

Again, the very best poison ivy protection is knowledge. Learn all you can about this toxic plant to decrease your chances of coming into contact with it in the first place.