‘Leaves of three, let it be’ is sound advice in East Texas

June 27, 2018

“A to Z from Our Family Medicine Doctors at UT East Texas” column
Published Wednesday, June 27, 2018, in the Gladewater Mirror

By: Anthony Handoyo, DO

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Does this sound familiar? After a fun day outdoors, you have a red rash that won’t stop itching.

Poison ivy. It’s green, it’s nasty, and it’s everywhere.

As you go about your summer adventures, watch out for it. The classic adage “Leaves of three, let it be” is true for poison ivy.

When hiking through the Piney Woods or gardening in your backyard, be wary of any plant with three leaflets on a single stem resembling a “three leaf clover.” In wooded areas, poison ivy tends to grow as a vine, covering the ground or creeping up trees.

But beware! It can be a shrub or bush, as well.

Poison ivy can have little green berries and be many shades of green, as well as bright red. It doesn’t have thorns.

If you’re going to be out in the East Texas foliage, take precautions. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves outside.

Be vigilant. Keep an eye on your pets; dogs aren’t allergic to poison ivy, but they can get the oil on their fur and pass it on to you.

If you think you’ve touched this pesky plant, take a bath or shower or wash the affected area with soap and cool water immediately. If you remove the plant’s oil from your skin within a few hours, your chances of developing a rash drop.

If you do get a rash, apply an over-the-counter steroid (anti-itching) cream or calamine lotion and take cool baths with oatmeal. Mild rashes that cause discomfort from itching, burning, or blistering can be treated at home.

However, if you develop a severe, widespread rash – especially if it affects your face or genital area – see your doctor. You need medical treatment.