Beware the Poison Ivy! Know your leaves.
By Sharon Dent
Have you noticed poison ivy more than normal this year? It seems diffused. Not big clumps but scattered all over.
If you come in contact with it, wash your hands and other affected areas within 15 minutes with dishwashing detergent. Do it again.
For good measure, wash your hands often with dishwashing detergent even when you are not aware of encountering poison ivy. It is good practice not only to help avoid poison ivy infections, but also to avoid other skin irritations. If you do get it, Benadryl Clear Gel is a good product to use on it.
There are home remedies that are helpful, too. Oatmeal-for-one. It is an anti-inflammatory that can soothe a rash. Grind a half cup of uncooked, old-fashioned oatmeal into a fine flour in a blender. Add lukewarm water to dissolve it. Apply to affected area(s). Repeat several times a day.
Sharon Dent volunteers with Garland County Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification.
