A Plant That Bites Back

My recent run in with poison ivy has resulted in an annual warning for you.

I suppose it isn't summer until the first unfortunate encounter with poison ivy. Well, summer did not wait until after Memorial Day this year as I currently sport large poison ivy rashes on both arms. I've found the only things that help the itch are hot showers (to simulate scratching without the skin damage) and ice packs, not a glowing review for Benadryl or anti-itch creams in this case.

While poison ivy rashes are mostly begign (until theyaren't), they are extremely annoying and completely preventable! If you'll be out in the garden without long sleeves and pants, consider scrubbing exposed skin every few hours if there is a potential of poison ivy around. As long as the poison ivy oil, urushiol, is thoroughly washed off within a couple hours of contact, you shouldn't get a rash reaction at all! However, this doesn't help if you aren't paying attention to what weeds you're pulling up - like me. 

Please hear my warning as I attempt to ignore the itching! Be familiar with what poison ivy looks like, wear gardenening gear, and scrub clean often.

Otherwise, it'll be hot showers and ice packs for you too!