Why, as I read this, am I suddenly struck with the urge to scratch myself?

As a youth living in Conn. the neighbor had the great idea of eradicating poison ivy by burning.

I had the joy of being hospitalized for three days with a breathing tube installed.

Luckily, I no longer am affected by that insidious plant.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
You could always take some leaves to clean your bum. In a day you'll know for sure.

A tradition when I was in college was for the fraternaties and sororities to rent a warehouse supposedly to build the homecoming parade floats. There were probably two dozen kegs of beer working at all times, and the bathrooms and portajohns were constantly backed up, so many just went outside. One year, at the next football game, all of the female cheerleaders were absent.
 

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
When I have been working in areas where poison ivy is located I always take a washcloth soaked in 91% rubbing alcohol and go over my skin.The alcohol removes the oil residue the ivy leaves on the skin.

Also if you are burning brush that may contain the ivy vine,do not breathe in the smoke. I have heard of people getting the rash in their lungs.

Very true! Close friend of mine almost died from inhaling that smoke. Took more than 2 years to fully recover.

If exposed, as soon as possible, wash down the exposed areas with bleach, then rinse with cool water.

The video posted earlier shows that rubbing is the most effective way to remove the oil. Wat ch it, you'll be enlightened.

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
Sadly, I still can't identify it even though I have seen it.

As others have said, you could have a reaction even from dead plants.

Here is a great video to assist with aftercare if you suspect exposure:




Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyoDRHpQK0


Be careful.

What do you do about your clothes or the rag you use to wash your skin? If you put them through the washer won't the oil spread to other things?

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
I got a blood infection from it when I was younger. Now I'm hyper sensitive to it. Haven't been in the woods and have a few tiny spots on my legs right now. Even with topical steroids, it takes a few days, or more, to get rid of it.

Last spring I was clearing out creeping charlie from a portion of my yard and it gave me a rash.

Never burn it.

Same here. Poison something rash turned into an infection, then sepsis in my blood. All the time I thought I was OK. Always go to the doctor if something doesn't get better. I'm hyper sensitive. I get it just looking at it from a distance.

quote:

Originally posted by Neel:
As a youth living in Conn. the neighbor had the great idea of eradicating poison ivy by burning.

I had the joy of being hospitalized for three days with a breathing tube installed.

Luckily, I no longer am affected by that insidious plant.

That takes the bait. Wow.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
What do you do about your clothes or the rag you use to wash your skin? If you put them through the washer won't the oil spread to other things?

Soap will break down the oil just like it does motor oil.

I have to work in and around it all summer long. First thing I do is put all clothing in washer and then hit the shower and use lots of soap. Be careful when you are washing yourself to use only warm/cool/cold water until you get the first lathering rinsed off. Hot water opens up the pours and lets the stuff on your skin in as you are washing it. Most of the time this is all that is required but I still get three or four cases of it every year.
Nasty stuff, I hate it.

Do NOT burn it, even if it's dead.