We all enjoy the outdoors. But when working or playing there are potential dangers you should be aware of. These potential dangers are natural, and you should be able to (1) recognize and avoid these hazards, (2) protect yourself against or control the hazards, and (3) take actions if hazards are unavoidable. This publication covers natural hazards that are most commonly encountered or commonly misunderstood. In an emergency situation, your first action should be to call an emergency room or the poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in South Carolina).
Recognition and Avoidance
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac contain irritants called urushiol oil that occur in the leaves, flowers, pollen, berries, stems, and roots of these plants. The oil causes the rash that irritates many of us. The oil can stay active from 4-12 months after it is picked up on clothing, boots, equipment, tools, and animal fur. Some people may not show a reaction to contact with these plants for years. Suddenly, however, these same people may lose their resistance and suffer the typical irritating rashes.
The best way to avoid suffering from the itchy, irritating rash is to avoid these hazardous plants. The old saying “leaflets of three, let it be” is good advice but should not be your only defense. Poison ivy is recognized in spring and summer by three bright green, waxy-looking, leaflets. Often clusters of white flowers are present in late spring and early summer. In the fall, leaflets turn yellow to red, and milk-colored berries may be present. In the winter, lifeless-looking twigs and reddish-brown hairy vines can still cause the itch. Poison oak also has three leaflets but with uneven margins and tan berries in the fall. Poison ivy and poison oak can occur as climbing vines, shrubs, thickets, and as ground cover. Poison sumac is a shrub-like plant with green compound leaves divided into 7-15 leaflets. It has greenish flowers and greenish white berries and is difficult to distinguish from other sumacs.
Protection and Control
Try to avoid contact with these plants. Wear clothing that will reduce your chance of contact. Boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves will help protect you from exposure to these plants. They will also protect you from other outdoor hazards like plants with thorns, sunburn, and insects. Be careful when you remove these protective articles of clothing, because again you risk touching the irritating plant oils.
Never burn poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Burning these plants releases urushiol oil into the air and can cause severe lung irritation if inhaled.
These poisonous plants may be chemically controlled by herbicides with active ingredients like glyphosate triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, and others. Sometimes these plants need multiple treatments for complete control. Be sure not to spray onto desirable plants, and to treat when directed to by the label. Whenever you use any pesticide, read and follow label directions carefully.
Visit HGIC 2307 for more information.
Action if Hazard is Unavoidable
Wash your hands and any contaminated skin with plenty of strong soap and water immediately after any known contact, after being outdoors, and after removing clothing. Wash contaminated clothes thoroughly in heavy-duty detergent. If soap is unavailable, use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is more effective than water for removing oils. Wash exposed pets with a pet-safe soap. Commercial urushiol oil removers, often marketed as poison ivy scrubs or washes, are also effective for cleansing your body, clothing, and other exposed items.
Allergic reactions result in inflammation within a few hours to five days, though sometimes take longer to show with the first reaction.
Early symptoms include slight itchiness and swelling, followed by pink colored inflammation and tiny pimples. Blisters then form in the inflamed area and may fuse together as a chain. The rash itself is not contagious and will not spread unless urushiol oils are still present on the body or clothes. Minor cases of a rash will last up to 2 weeks, and initial exposures and severe reactions can last up to 30 days. Severe cases should be seen by a doctor who may administer corticosteroid therapy topically, orally, or through injection. For mild reactions, temporary relief from itchiness can be had by running warm water over the inflamed area, oatmeal baths, or by applying non-prescribed topical creams or lotions which contain calamine or cortisone. Drying agents which temporarily stop the ooze and provide some relief are also available. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations because there are many products available. Avoid itching the rash or draining blisters since this can cause secondary infection or further irritation. Seek emergency help if you are having difficulty breathing, swallowing, or sleeping, swelling in the face or eyes, the rash is around your eyes, mouth or genitals, the rash is on most of your body, or you develop a fever.
Author (s)
Tancey Belken, Area Forestry and Wildlife Agent, Clemson Extension
Christina Huss, Area Urban Horticulture Agent, Clemson Extension
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
