Poison Ivy

Warmer weather means spending more time outdoors. If you’re like me, you spend a lot of outdoor time in the woods on hiking trails. One of the things you have to watch for when outdoors is poison ivy. Poison ivy has three small leaves and grows as a low, shrub-like plant. In the spring it grows yellowish-green flowers and the plant might also have green berries. Obviously it’s easiest to avoid the plant; but we don’t always pay attention to every plant around us while hiking so the next best thing is to protect your skin by wearing long pants.If you aren’t fortunate enough to avoid the plant, you will soon see a rash. Most likely the rash can be treated at home by washing the area with warm, soapy water. Try not to itch the area, it will make the rash worse. You can hold cool compresses on the area to help stop the itching, and calamine lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also help. If the rash grows or you’re not able to treat it at home, you may have to visit a dermatologist to receive a steroid shot.If you experience trouble breathing or swallowing, the rash covers most of your body or if you experience swelling (especially in the facial area), you should see a doctor immediately.