Warm weather and poison ivy

As the weather warms and people are spending more time outside, I have started seeing some children with poison ivy or poison oak.

It is important to note that even before the plants have leaves, contact with them can still result in a very unpleasant reaction. In fact, these photos are of a case of poison ivy contracted during the winter while cutting up some downed trees. Because there were no leaves, it was not clear until it was too late that there was poison ivy all around. Be especially wary of fuzzy vines on tree trunks.

The rash is a reaction to the oil from the plants. There can be secondary transmission from clothing or pets which have the oil on them. But once the oil is washed away, the rash itself is not contagious. If you know you have been exposed, washing as soon as possible with soap and water and washing your clothes immediately can help prevent any reaction. 

The rash is very itchy and can turn into weepy blisters as well. Treatment includes topical anti-itch creams, compresses and baths, oral antihistamines such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin, and in severe cases a course of oral steroids.

So get outside and enjoy nature. Just be careful what you are touching.