When summer comes around, people across the country resume their outdoor pastimes of camping and spending time in the garden. The outdoors, while beautiful, should not be treated lightly: Someone might be ignorant of the hazards that lurk in their own yard.
While beautiful, nature has no shortage of dangers that could injure children or pets. One of the most common dangers in a backyard can be found in the garden. Poison ivy might look quiet and harmless, but if it comes into contact with your skin, it’ll cause a strong chemical reaction.
Gardens are meant to be enjoyed, so it is important that we keep these threats in mind. Educating ourselves about things such as poison ivy can prevent a disaster that would put an end to summer fun.
If you’re wondering where this plant can be found, poison ivy grows in every US state except for Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Do you know what poison ivy looks like? If you’re going for a hike in the forest or digging behind some bushes, you might overlook it. Poison ivy generally grows in clumps. They are plants with clusters of three leaves. Look out for a translucent fruit, almost white, in the patch of leaves; these fruits are also ways to identify poison ivy.
Do you know where to find poison ivy? While it can grow in forests, you can also find it thriving in “disturbed ground.” This refers to land that has been disturbed by humans, in the form of back yards or construction zones. It’s closer to home than you might have thought, so care must be taken to control this plant before it spreads or causes harm.
With about eighty-five percent of Americans allergic to poison ivy, it’s important to know what a rash caused by this threat would look. Spreading in a time span of between 12 and 45 hours, poison ivy allergy begins with a rash. Soon after the rash appears, expect severe swelling. The rash will then turn red and begin to itch. Red bumps and blisters are also ways of identifying a rash caused by poison ivy.
Most of the time, poison ivy rashes do not need to be treated by doctors. There are a number of home remedies that can control the swelling until it clears up. However, if the rash appears to be worsening, or other symptoms of infection arise, you should check with a health professional. They will be able to give you an antibiotic to clear it up.
As previously stated, poison ivy can normally be controlled using home remedies. Aloe vera, banana peels, and running water are only a few of the natural ways to lessen the rash's severity.
If you don’t trust home remedies for something so uncomfortable, a strong allergy medication in the form of cream can also calm the symptoms of poison ivy. After washing the affected area carefully with soap, apply the medication and let it sit.
Depending on the severity of the infection, it could take up to three weeks for the skin to heal completely. During that time, stay indoors and keep away from plants that could cause allergies.
