How to Avoid Poison Ivy

Though found virtually everywhere in the United States, poison ivy can usually be seen east of the Rocky Mountains and in Canada. Campers and hikers should learn to identify and avoid these plants, since contact with skin can result in a nasty rash.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Hiking Boots
• Long Pants
• Long-sleeved Shirts
• Dog Shampoo
• Poison Ivy/oak Killer
• Poison Oak-ivy Protective Lotion
• Poison Oak-ivy Soap

1. Learn to identify habitats in which poison ivy is likely to be found. Poison ivy is found below 5,000 feet in moist ravines, canyons and hilltops without much sunlight.
2. Learn to identify the leaves of poison ivy. The basic rule, "leaves of three, let it be," refers to the three shiny, green leaflets on the leaves of poison ivy vines and shrubs.
3. Wear a pre-exposure armor lotion on exposed parts of the body to minimize the effects of poison ivy.
4. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin when hiking in an area populated by poison ivy.
5. Wear socks and hiking boots to protect ankles and feet.
6. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water immediately following contact, or use a special soap formulated to wash resins of poison ivy from skin and clothing. Such soaps are available in sporting goods stores and outdoor equipment stores.
7. Wash clothes and shoelaces with a mild soap and dry them in the sun if you make contact with poison ivy while backpacking.
8. Wash clothes and shoelaces and dry them in a clothes dryer immediately following a hike in an area populated with poison ivy, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
9. Shower and wash your hair thoroughly after being in an area where poison ivy is present, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are hiking with your dog in an area with poison ivy, avoid contact with him until he has been bathed.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.