Spending More Time Outdoors? Watch Out for Poison Ivy
☘️ Warm weather means more time outside, but it also means a greater chance of running into poison ivy. Knowing how to identify it (and what to do if you touch it) can save you from an uncomfortable, itchy experience.
How to Spot Poison Ivy
- Look for three leaves per stem, often shiny, with asymmetrical or mitten-shaped edges
- The plant may have a red stem
- Poison ivy can appear as a woody shrub or a vine
- Sometimes it has smooth, shiny berries
Remember: Leaves of three, let it be.
What Happens If You Touch It?
- You may develop a red, itchy rash or even blisters
- Immediately wash the area with soap and water to remove the plant’s oil
- For relief, try:
- Cool compresses
- Calamine lotion
- Colloidal oatmeal baths
- Over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream
If the reaction is severe, be sure to see your doctor.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Learn to recognize poison ivy in your area and avoid contact altogether.
📞 Have questions? Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential help.
