Poison Ivy is a wild perennial plant that can grow either as a woody vine on trees and fences, or as a shrub or even as a trailing ground cover. Its characteristic “three leaves” kind of leaf structure helps identification. Though leaf shapes may vary, they have a distinct shine. The vine variety has hairy aerial rootlets. Every part of the plant contains Urushiol, a resinous oil that causes rash on contact.
If you chance to see them in your garden, act immediately to get rid of them. Don protective gear like gloves and clothes that ensure full protection during handling.

Destroying Poison Ivy

Roots have the power to grow back, so it is necessary to uproot the plant completely. Cut off leaves and stems. Discard them in a sealed garbage bag along with the plant.

Poison ivy vines can be completely eradicated by shrouding them with a sheet of black plastic for months. You can also use cardboard, mulch, newspaper or tarp and cover the entire plant. This will prevent growth, if kept long enough. Remove whatever is left of the plant and dispose in a garbage bag. Herbicides help to completely destroy the plant. Once the herbicide has acted, removing the plant from the root becomes easy. While handling herbicides, wear a mask, gloves and safety glasses. Keep children and pets out of the way while using herbicides. Their offensive pungent odor can be dangerous. Dried leaves also cause rash.

To destroy the vine you will need to cut it at ground level. Try to cut off as much of the roots and the stump with a hoe or by uprooting. If it grows back, use herbicide on the leaves to ensure slow death of the plant.

Herbicides like Roundup, Kleenup, Amitrol-T or Weedazol, Garlon Redeem, Brush-B-Gone, Crossbow can be sprayed on the leaves. Wait till the herbicide is absorbed. Then remove plant after a few days. Avoid over spraying as Glyphosate present in it can kill surrounding healthy plants. Products that contain 2,4-D are not so effective. They will need to be mixed with 2,4-DP for larger woody kind of ivy plants and must be used 6-12 hours prior to watering or before rain is expected. Remember other plants could be sensitive to it.

Herbicides tend to remain active in the soil for days after use and can prevent fresh vegetation. Avoid its use if you plan to plant vegetables in that area. Farmers must avoid using herbicides where they plan to plant crops or where cattle graze. You can get more information on these products from your local garden nursery or agricultural extension office.

Never attempt to burn the plant or any remains. Smoke can bring as much allergic reaction as the plant and even severely affect your lungs.

Mowing the plants can vitiate the atmosphere with its poisonous bits and spell trouble for all.

The dead plant is equally dangerous. Exercise care while disposing. After working with herbicide on the plant, take care to wash yourself with strong soap and separately wash clothes worn during the operation.

Handling Poison Ivy Rash

Poisoning from Poison Ivy can occur during the growth season when the foliage is rich and verdant, but dry twigs and stems from the vine can also cause the same reaction even in winter. Ideally the plant must be avoided at any cost.

Symptoms of the rash can occur within 8 hours to a week of contact with the leaves, stem or root of the plant. It all begins with an itchy rash. Soon red bumps or streaks will appear in a line that will get filled with fluid, forming blisters. It untreated the rash will not go away till about 3 weeks after exposure. Oral steroids may be required for severe reactions.

Treatment is aimed first at relieving the itching by wet dressings; cold compresses or soaks using Domeboro or Burow’s solution with water.

A local application of calamine or caladryl lotion can soothe and is recommended for not just poison ivy rash but for any itchy skin irritation. All first aid kits should include calamine lotion.

Anti-itch creams like Gold Bond and Itch-X-Itch Gel with Aloe Vera are also beneficial.

Some recent medications like Burt’s Bees Poison Ivy Soap, Ivarest Medicated Cream, Ivy Stat, Zanfel Wash for Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac, Cortaid Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit and Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub also help to alleviate pain and itchiness.

If a child has been severely affected, consult your pediatrician. Remember that some children may require an oral steroid of adequate strength or a steroid shot if the reaction is severe.

Home Remedies

The following can be applied locally on the rash.

• Boil oatmeal in water, cool and apply thickly on affected area. This will soothe the itching. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda.
• Baking Soda if applied like a paste can soothe any rash.
• Aloe Vera gel
• Rubbing the inside of a banana peel (considered a miracle cure)
• Sprinkling vinegar
• Using dishwashing liquid. Anti-grease agents in the dishwashing liquid help. Apply without diluting and then wash off in a while.

For more remedies visit: http://www.iloveindia.com/home-remedies/poison-ivy.html

Alert parents should ensure that their children learn to identify poison ivy plants before embarking on a camping trip or taking a walk through the woods, because of the severe allergic reactions this plant can trigger. It is wise to teach them: “leaves of three – let them be”.