Great Info Tips

Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac all have a resin called urusiol which causes the bumps, blisters and itching after you’ve touched it or brushed against it. You need to learn to recognize these plants. Poison ivy is a vine that grows on the East Coast, Midwest and South. In the North and West it’s more like a shrub. Mainly found near lakes, streams and trails it can also grow in your back yard. Poison oak is mainly found in the Southeast and the West Coast. Sumac is either a large shrub or small tree that will grow in moist areas like marshes or swamps. Dress with long pants and long sleeves if you plan to go into any of these areas. Avoid any plant that remotely looks like poison. Poison ivy has 3 shiny leaves together.
Poison ivy will go away on it’s own within two weeks, but the itching might make you irritable. A cool water bath with some oatmeal in it or calamine lotion spread over the infected areas. Oral antihistamines can also help with the itching. If you have poison on your face head to the doctor to help control it. Always wash your hands after handling what you think might have been poison. Better to be safe than sorry.