Poison Ivy/Oak

[NorTracNY]

Don't forget the roots too. When I moved into my place of poision ivy, I quickly learned to identify it. After a few months, I got a bad case of it between my fingers. I had heard your dogs could get it and I thought I got it from petting them. It was about 3 weeks later that I realized that it wasn't my dogs, but I was pulling up some roots in a section that I was putting a lawn in. When I saw the poison ivy growing up in the lawn, I remembered pulling up the roots. The dogs are happy to be pet again.

 

[JDgreen227]

I was just out mowing my ATV trails...got a really nice growth of PI in these pictures....this is probably one-tenth of a percent of what is growing back in those 5 acres....:laughing:

 

[chad22]

Also watch what you grab to wipe your bottom with when out in the wild. I posted on here somewhere. Where I had accidentally grabbed some poison Ivy and wiped my bottom with it. Well my bottom itched like crazy. If I go out in the wild I now bring Toilet Paper.

I think I was around 10 at the time.

Chad

 

[dmccarty]

...
Moral of the story is that things change. I would never recommend testing your immunity or assuming you will not get the rash.

I can't say that I have never had Poison Ivy/Oak. Since I dont remember having it I think it is safe to say I have not had it. :laughing: Given the amount of time I spend in the woods I certainly would have touched the stuff. I think I am "immune" to Poison Ivy/Oak but I am not stupid enough to put the theory to the test! :laughing:

I can remember my first run in with Chiggers and I can remember the last time Chiggers and I met but I don't remember any Poison Ivy/Oak. It must be the Indian blood that is rumored to be in the family somewhere.

My dad got a bad doze of Poison Ivy/Oak when visiting a few years ago. I told him to be careful and wear gloves but he did neither and boy did he catch it. He almost got some in his eye by wiping the sweet from his brow. The sweat carried the oil almost into his eye. :shocked:

He bought some of the over the county Poison Ivy/Oak ointments. One of them was using quite a bit of alcohol and I wonder if the alcohol was what removed the oil....

Later,
Dan

 

[MossflowerWoods]

One of them was using quite a bit of alcohol and I wonder if the alcohol was what removed the oil....

Later,
Dan

I always thought Alcohol removed inhibitions... Always worked for me

David

 

[remington270]

Yes, it is possible to be immune to the stuff. Haven't y'all seen the myth busters episode? They rubbed the stuff all over their arms and one guy didn't get any reaction. Supposedly it's one ten that are immune.

 

[pclausen]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones then. I'm 46 years old and am exposed to that stuff all the time. Never had a reaction. Friends of mine have had severe reactions helping me clear woods, weed eating, etc, so I know I got plenty on my property. I often pull it down off trees with my bare hands, and/or cut down trees covered it in and burn them.

After reading about the dangers with burning it, I will stop that practice however. If not for me, then for the rest of my family & friends that might be around.

Back in Denmark where I was born and grew up, we had a plant called "Braendneller". Touching the leaves of this plant would result in a bad rash/blisters. It would actually start hurting within seconds of touching. As far as I know, nobody is immune to those suckers. The "Braend" part of the name of the plant translates to "burn" which is the sensation you get within seconds of touching the leaves.

What actually happens is that the leaves of the plant contain a toxin, and the walls of the leaves are like tiny "glass" hairs, and at the slightest touch, these hairs will break, leaving a slanted sharp edge that will easily penetrate the skin and empty the toxin, which is what causes large number of fluid filled blisters to form.

Interestingly enough, the toxin is not fatal, even in large doses, but is sure is uncomfortable! Some even grind up the leaves and make a soup with them then that supposedly can have medical benefits.

Here's what the plant looks like in case you ever plan a trip to Scandinavia that includes hiking:

 

[pclausen]

I always thought Alcohol removed inhibitions... Always worked for me
David

Me too! :laughing:

 

[Yellowhair42]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones then. I'm 46 years old and am exposed to that stuff all the time. Never had a reaction. Friends of mine have had severe reactions helping me clear woods, weed eating, etc, so I know I got plenty on my property. I often pull it down off trees with my bare hands, and/or cut down trees covered it in and burn them.

After reading about the dangers with burning it, I will stop that practice however. If not for me, then for the rest of my family & friends that might be around.

Back in Denmark where I was born and grew up, we had a plant called "Braendneller". Touching the leaves of this plant would result in a bad rash/blisters. It would actually start hurting within seconds of touching. As far as I know, nobody is immune to those suckers. The "Braend" part of the name of the plant translates to "burn" which is the sensation you get within seconds of touching the leaves.

What actually happens is that the leaves of the plant contain a toxin, and the walls of the leaves are like tiny "glass" hairs, and at the slightest touch, these hairs will break, leaving a slanted sharp edge that will easily penetrate the skin and empty the toxin, which is what causes large number of fluid filled blisters to form.

Interestingly enough, the toxin is not fatal, even in large doses, but is sure is uncomfortable! Some even grind up the leaves and make a soup with them then that supposedly can have medical benefits.

Here's what the plant looks like in case you ever plan a trip to Scandinavia that includes hiking:

That looks a lot like Stinging Nettle.Yes,cooked it's safe to eat.I've heard it makes good wine too.

 

[John47]

Got both poison ivy and poison oak around here, nearly every tree has ivy growing up it and I only have to look at it to get a rash and blisters.
Only thing that works for me and brings instant relief is Chlorox bleach, rubbed on neat, dries the irritation up within hours, and gives relief instantly.