Poison Ivy

Don't laugh, this is important stuff and I honestly can't remember what they look like.  It's been at least 28 years since I've had to deal with this itchy mess. 

So here is the 101 refresher course I gave myself. 

NOTE:  It may look different depending on the season.

 

Poison Ivy in Spring


 

Poison Ivy in Summer



 

Poison Ivy in the Fall



Climbing Vine of Poison Ivy

Poison Oak







Poison Oak (above) is similar to Poison Ivy but the leaves tend to be more lobed and have tiny hairs. 



The plant leaves an oil called urushiol on your skin which gets absorbed and causes the rash.  If you do come in contact with Poison Ivy/Oak, try to rinse the area as soon as possible (within an hour) with a lot of COLD running water to remove the oil and hopefully prevent the rash from ever happening.  (Do not wash with hot water as this opens your pores and accelerates the spreading.)    There are also over-the-counter skin cleansers you can keep in your car or med kit (such as Technu) for this eventuality.   Totally worth being informed and prepared - nothing says 'sexy' like an oozing rash that covers your body.