How to Spot Poison Ivy From a Mile Away (and the lotion you need just in case)

Odds are, you’ve been personally, or know of someone, who has dealt with a poison ivy rash. If so, then you understand how annoying, painful and potentially embarrassing it can be! These pesky little poison ivy plants are notorious for looming in areas of high human traffic, like hiking trails and gardens, making it difficult to avoid – until now.

Treat this as your official guide to understanding the poison ivy plant, avoiding contact, spotting signs and symptoms, and treating them with natural and effective remedies. We promise, after reading this, you’ll be nothing short of prepared to take on the outdoors this summer!

Understanding Poison Ivy and Rashes

Poison ivy is a plant that carries a substance called urushiol that causes skin rashes. Typically found on a shrub or vine, poison ivy is found across nearly all climates in America. While the color of the leaves may vary depending on the species and season, poison ivy is always found in groups of three leaflets with pointed-tip leaves.

What Causes the Rash?

Urushiol found on the leaves, stems, flowers and root of the poison ivy plant causes skin flare-ups due to sensitivity to its oily resin. Exposure to even a small amount of urushiol, potentially less than a grain of table salt, leads to the development of rashes in 80-90 percent of individuals.

Contrary to popular belief, poison ivy rashes are not contagious. However, since urushiol oil is highly transferable, you can easily infect surrounding areas. With that, it’s important to take precautionary measures to avoid oil transmission.

Signs and Symptoms

Poison ivy symptoms commonly appear within eight to 48 hours upon contact (however, some have reported their onset of symptoms up to several weeks later. Remember, symptoms might gradually appear over a course of several weeks due to repeated exposure, or flare up in one fell swoop. Here’s what to look for:

A red rash on the skin with potentially yellow, inflamed patches.
Intense and unwavering itching. This is especially intense for those with previously dry or sensitive skin.

Blistering on the skin, varying in size (if rash is extreme, the blisters can sometimes open and ooze fluid).
When the rash heals, scabs will typically form (healed skin might become dry and be discolored).
Sunburns (often associated with being outside and in contact with poison ivy) might make newly healed skin dry and sensitive. It’s best to avoid the sun completely upon contact.

Dangers: When to Seek Medical Attention

For most, poison ivy rashes last for roughly two to three weeks. While everyone’s reaction is different, the severity and duration of poison ivy’s symptoms depend on your tolerance to its potent oils and strength of your immune system. It’s important to keep in mind that symptoms may appear at varying times and degrees upon infection, meaning that certain areas may heal faster than others.

If you notice severe and prolonged symptoms due to an allergic reaction to poison ivy, it’s best to seek out professional attention. For example, if you begin to experience swelling in the eyes, throat or mouth, nausea, oozing blisters and high fevers, it’s highly recommended that you call a doctor.

Natural Poison Ivy Remedies

Okay, so you’ve come into contact with the poison ivy plant or are already experiencing symptoms of the rash. Use the following tips and tricks to reduce the likelihood of infection or severity and duration of its symptoms. While each remedy has been tried and tested individually, try a combination of them to amp up their healing effects.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly and Shower After Exposure

Carefully and thoroughly washing your hands and body with strong soap and water immediately after being exposed can help remove oil and dramatically lower your risk of infection. To maximize its effects, do this as soon as possible to reduce the amount of oil lingering on your skin. It’s best to skip the washcloth as the oils can make stick and remain on the cloth.

Use Natural Anti-Itch Solutions and Antihistamines

Here are some natural herbal supplements and products that can help ease uncomfortable itchiness and rashes:

Colloidal oatmeal baths (oatmeal contains properties that have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve itchiness)

Bentonite clay (helps dry up blisters and reduce swelling)
Echinacea (can be used as a incur to lower histamine reactions)

Homemade Bentonite Anti-Itch Cream

Mix together the following ingredients and spread over itchy irritated skin 2-3 times daily

2 tbs shea butter
1 tbs coconut oil
1 tbs dried calendula

1 tbs honey or 1-2 beeswax pellets
1 1/2 tbs baking soda
2 ½ tbs bentonite clay

1 tsp witch hazel
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
10 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops tea tree oil
5 drops chamomile

Apply a Cool Compress to the Rash

When the poison ivy reaction begins to inflame, swell and itch, opt for this easy and affordable solution to ease its notoriously uncomfortable symptoms:

Simply wet a small towel, pillow case or cloth in cold water or wrap it around ice and gently press it against the inflamed, infected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times per day, ideally every 3-4 hours.
To boost its healing effect and help control the severity of the rash or blisters, try adding lavender oil, apple cider vinegar or brewed black tea.

Preventative Measures: Preventing Poison Ivy Rashes in the First Place

Understanding what poison ivy looks like and avoiding exposure is the key to preventing poison ivy rashes. Here are some tips, tricks and pointers sure to keep you rash-free:

Keep your eyes peeled for plants of three with shiny, medium-sized leaves bright green leaves. Poison ivy plants grow across the U.S. and tend to grow in areas with high foot traffic, like trails, gardens and golf courses.
Protective lotions can be used immediately after exposure to poison ivy to remove the oil. Best used within one hour of less upon contact this will highly minimize (not guarantee) your likelihood of experiencing symptoms.
Materials and tools around your house can harbor urushiol oil, including: gardening equipment, cotton clothing, pet fur and even doorknobs. Upon suspecting contact or experiencing symptoms, be diligent to clean any area that may be housing poison ivy’s oils.