How to Identify & Treat Poison Ivy

800px-Toxicodendron_radicans,_leavesThis the season for this pesky little weed to really cause trouble. One of our young patients had a very bad reaction after making a “mud pie” with poison ivy berries and rubbing her hands all over her face and neck. A trip to the ER and some prednisone and she will be right as rain, but to avoid a similar trip with your kids here is what to look for.

Leaves of three?  Let them be!
Poison ivy grows everywhere – the woods, fields, your own backyard, vacant lots, but especially in ditches, along fences and the edges of forests or fields

It usually grows in patches, with a cluster of three leaves at the end of a long stem. Many other plants have three leaves and are not a trouble, but when in doubt, walk away. The berries (or seeds) for the plants are less common. Avoid any berry that is white and in a cluster.

You can see more photos and leaf variations, and identification tips here.

800px-Potapsco_fg13Using Jewelweed to Treat Poison Ivy

Jewelweed is in the same family as impatiens and touch-me-nots, and we’ve used it many times to effectively treat poison ivy. It has distinctive yellow or orange flowers. We’ve only tried the orange, which apparently works better than yellow, and it can work wonders.

You can make a poultice by boiling chopped leaves and stems, or try these other approaches:

If you are camping or hiking, and you know that you’ve been in contact with poison ivy, you can simply break off a branch of jewelweed and crush the stem and leaves in your hands. The stems are very fibrous and filled with a great deal of liquid. Rub the liquid on your skin wherever the poison ivy contact was made.

You can keep a supply of jewelweed ready to use by making a tea from the chopped stems and leaves. Boil them gently until the liquid is orange. Strain the liquid, and freeze it in ice cube trays. These ice cubes are potent for about a year. Just rub the ice cube on the affected area as needed.