Don’t Let Poison Ivy Ruin your Summer
I can’t remember how many times as a kid I got some sort of rash on my arms or legs because I was always running, playing in the outdoors, climbing trees and messing around.
Most of the time I couldn’t explain how or what happened to me, especially if I didn’t fall down or had a big accident. Today, just by looking back I can say that most likely I had some sort of allergic reaction to poison Ivy which makes a lot of sense because poison ivy is everywhere.
Poison ivy can grow anywhere, from the woods to suburban backyards and it is found everywhere in the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. It is most common in the eastern and midwestern states.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are found throughout the continental United States. In general, poison ivy grows east of the Rocky Mountains, poison oak west of the Rocky Mountains, and poison sumac in the southeastern United States.
Mile Hi Rafting team, is always aware and watching out for poison Ivy or any other element that can ruin your vacation. Today, we would like to share some basic tips that could help you prevent getting affected by poison ivy and what to do if you already have a reaction.
Leaves of Three, Let Them Be!
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain the same rash-causing substance. It’s urushiol, a colorless, odorless oil (or resin) contained in the leaves of the plants.
Urushiol causes an allergic reaction which takes the form of a rash, itching, and sometimes swelling. It can appear within hours of contact or as much as 5 days later. Usually the skin becomes red, itchy, and swollen and blisters will appear.
It is most common in the eastern and midwestern states. Usually has three broad, spoon-shaped leaves and grows as a climbing vine or a low, spreading vine that sprawls through grass. The leaves are red and have white or cream berries in the autumn.
Poison oak is most common in the western United States, although it is also found in eastern states. It rarely is found in midwestern states. The leaves look like oak leaves, usually three leaflets, but sometimes up to seven on each leaf group. It grows as a vine or a shrub.
It is found in wooded, swampy areas, such as Florida and parts of other southeastern states. It is also found in wet, wooded areas in the northern United States. It has 7 to 13 leaflets on each leaf stem. The leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips.
Avoid Getting a Rash
Luckily, for all of the Mile Hi Rafting customers, none of these plants grow well above 4000 ft (1219 m), so the higher elevations in places such as the Rocky Mountains are relatively free of them.
However, keep in mind when hiking, camping or performing any other outdoor activity to wear long pants and long sleeves. If you come into contact with urushiol oil jump immediately into the shower and wash off your skin with soap.
If you already have an allergic reaction try applying a calamine lotion, but if the allergic reaction is too severe you should seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible.
Mile Hi Outdoor Tours
Don’t let poison Ivy scare you away from enjoying the best adventure trips in Colorado. Come and enjoy the astonishing Colorado wilderness with Mile Hi Rafting.
Contact us today and book your whitewater rafting trip. Combine it with other thrilling options like ATV and UTV tours, camping, hiking, fishing and a lot more. We are flexible and will gladly help you set up your personal adventure trip.