Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all plants that cause rashes when their resin makes skin. The best prevention is to learn to identify these plants and minimize their contact with the skin.
Instructions
1. Learn to identify habitats in which poison ivy, oak, and sumac are likely to be found. Poison ivy and poison oak are found below 5,000 feet in moist ravines, canyons, and hilltops without much sunlight; poison sumac grows in moist and marshlike habitats east of the Mississippi.
2. Learn to identify the leaves of poison ivy and poison oak. The basic rule is "leaves of three, let it be."
3. Wear a pre-exposure armor lotion on exposed parts of the body to minimize the effects of poison ivy, oak and sumac should contact occur.
4. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin when hiking in an area populated by poison ivy, oak or sumac.
5. Wear socks and hiking boots to protect ankles and feet.
6. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water immediate following contact, or use a special soap formulated to wash resins of poison ivy, oak and sumac from skin and clothing. Such soaps are available in sporting goods stores and outdoor equipment stores.
7. Wash clothes and shoelaces and dry in a clothes drier immediately following a hike in an area populated with poison ivy, oak or sumac, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
8. Wash clothes and shoelaces with a mild soap and dry in the sun if you make contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac while backpacking.
9. Shower and wash hair thoroughly after hiking in an area populated with poison ivy, oak or sumac, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
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