Itch..Itch..Scratch..Scratch!

I used to be one of those folks that had an immunity to the toxins in Poison Ivy. I could brush against it, pull it out by the roots or even hold it with no problems. Then one year, unwittingly, I placed a vine covered log in the fireplace. Not good! Never burn Poison Ivy vines! My face, throat and all exposed areas were almost instantaneously covered with the worst rash I have ever encountered! The itch was horrendous and try as I might, I could not stop scratching.. spreading the rash everywhere! Since I had previously been immune, I had no idea what to do to stop this. My first mistake was to burn the vine, second..not washing immediately and third..using an oil-based soap when I did wash. Oww! All that did was cause the toxin..urushiol..to spread creating more rash! I guess we learn by our mistakes! I did!

I have a habit of meandering around the property just looking at whatever there is to be seen. I find that with the recent bout of hot weather (in the 90s!), it is much nicer outside in the cooling bay breeze. So I walk..look..walk and take pictures of anything that is a bit interesting. Today's find..Poison Ivy! Yikes! Just the mere mention of it can make me scratch! Memories of the horrible rash came flooding back into my mind. Ugh! This particular vine was near the marsh. It had chosen a pine tree as its host and had twined itself around and around the tree almost to the top. The base if the vine was huge! It had the telltale "hairy" rope look, something that is a surefire identification tipoff that this was Poison Ivy. As I stood looking at the leaves, I noticed this vine already had set its berries. The tiny, green berries would turn white in the fall...another signal that this is not a fun vine. There is a saying.."Leaves of three..let it be. Berries of white..take flight!" Good advice! Speaking of these berries..as tempting as they may be (and I am being facetious here!)....DO NOT EAT THEM! Why would anyone ever want to is beyond me! Birds do eat them and are not bothered in the least. The seeds are then passed through the bird and replanted to start a new plant.

This plant will most likely stay where it is simply because I do not particularly want to tangle with it. It is far enough away from the house and far enough down in the boggy part of the marsh that not many people will encounter it. So..it can stay. If anyone does have the misfortune of coming in contact with Poison Ivy..there are several advisable actions to take. As soon as possible, remove all clothing and wash them. Wash yourself with an oil-free soap..I use something that is a degreaser..like dishsoap. Once clean, a good wipedown with alcohol to remove any remnants of urushiol from the body is advisable. Rubbing the exposed area with the leaves of the Ladyslipper plant will bring relief from the itching and help with healing the rash. If this is not handy, another home remedy is to use oatmeal baths to relieve the itching. I have even heard of some who use a wash of salt water. This is supposed to prevent the spread of the toxins. Then..there is always the old standby of Calamine Lotion! Actually the best remedy for Poison Ivy..avoid it at all costs! Do not assume that you are immune to the rash-inducing urushiol! Eventually, your luck will run out and you will be itch..itch..scratch..scratching and pondering what remedy will work!