• Make sure your family knows how to identify poison ivy so they can avoid it. Prevention is the best form of protection from poison ivy.
• Gardening, Yard Work or Trail Hiking: Wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts, hats, and gloves can help protect from exposure.
• Do not burn poison ivy! The smoke from the burning poison ivy may cause an allergic reaction.

Tips if you have been exposed to poison ivy:

• If exposure has occurred, wash the area immediately with plain soap and water.
• Remove all clothing, shoes, and hats that have come in contact with poison ivy and wash.
• Avoid scratching poison ivy as it increases the chance of infection.
• Your physician may suggest over the counter remedies such as Calomine Lotion or Hydrocortisone for the itching. For severe cases, steriods may be needed.
• Please see your physician at The Woman's Wellness Center, P.C. if symptoms worsen or the rash spreads to the mouth, eyes or genitals.