One of the scourges of every camping trip in the history of the world is Poison…Poison Ivy and Oak and how to deal with them.
The best prevention against poisonous plants is to learn to identify these plants then avoid any contact. Should you touch one of these plants, do not scratch, and wash the area in cold water within 20 minuets. Should you develop a rash, use a topical solution like calamine lotion to ease the discomfort.
POISON OAK- It can make your best campout or day hike turn into a total nightmare. You really have to know what this plant looks like in all of its seasonal colors and stay away from it. In spring it is bright green, in late summer it starts to turn red and slightly brownish-orange. The best advice is to know where you are hiking and hike in pants and long sleeves if you think you may be coming in contact with it on overgrown trails. Poison oak can be found growing wild all over California under the 5000' elevation. Once touched, the oil of poison oak can spread from your clothes to your body with indirect contamination. Never burn the plant (leaves or vines) for any reason.
POISON IVY- is not found on the west coast but is found throughout the woods of New Jersey and other eastern states. It has leaves in clusters of three (so let them be). If you come in contact with poison ivy, do not put your hands near your eyes or face, as the irritation spreads easily.
Watch out for this seemingly harmless little vine or shrub in the woods. It mimics Virginia Creeper which has leaves in cluster of five. Some variations of poison ivy leaves look like oak leaves (hence the term “oak leaf poison ivy”) but again, there is no poison oak found in New Jersey.
Myths vs. Facts about Poison Ivy
Myth
Poison Ivy rash is contagious.
Fact
Rubbing the rashes won't spread poison ivy to other parts of your body (or to another person). You spread the rash only if urushiol oil — the sticky, resin like substance that causes the rash — has been left on your hands.
Myth
You can catch poison ivy simply by being near the plants.
Fact
Direct contact is needed to release urushiol oil. Stay away from forest fires, direct burning, or anything else that can cause the oil to become airborne such as a lawnmower, trimmer, etc.
Myth
Do not worry about dead plants.
Fact
Urushiol oil stays active on any surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.
Myth
Breaking the blisters releases urushiol oil that can spread.
Fact
Not true. But your wounds can become infected and you may make the scarring worse. In very extreme cases, excessive fluid may need to be withdrawn by a doctor.
Myth
I've been in poison ivy many times and never broken out therefore I'm immune.
Fact
Not necessarily true. Upwards of 90% of people are allergic to urushiol oil, it's a matter of time and exposure. The more times you are exposed to urushiol, the more likely it is that you will break out with an allergic rash. For the first time sufferer, it generally takes longer for the rash to show up – generally in 7 to 10 days.
Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids
