The Medicine Mom By DR. Tara Kompare, Pharm. D.

Prevent an Itchy and Scratchy Summer Protect Against Those Leaves of Three

Camping is a wonderful family affair. Children and parents work together to set up tents, start campfires and swat away mosquitoes. Despite our careful planning of every article of clothing to bring, what type of sandwiches to make and which adult beverages we need, we almost always forget something.

As a parent, I urge you to add one more item to your exhaustive list: a poison ivy emergency kit.
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are three of the most common weeds in the United States known to cause an allergic skin reaction. The rash associated with these plants can cause intense itching, blistering and pain. Knowing how to prevent these dreadful rashes from affecting your little ones will help ensure that your next outdoors excursion is a scratch-free one.

What To Do

Know Your Enemy
Contrary to popular belief, the saying, “leaves of three, let it be” is only partially true. While poison ivy and poison oak usually have three leaflets, poison sumac normally has seven to 13. See the P.S.S. for a great prevention tip.
It is the colorless urushiol oil that is responsible for the allergic response, not the leaves themselves. When poisonous leaves are damaged and the oil is exposed to air, the oil turns black and you may see tiny black dots on the leaves which are a warning sign to stay away.

Establish fear
Let your children know that if they do tempt fate and go play in a patch of poison ivy, the family trip is likely to be ruined and they won’t get allowance for the next month. Well, that may be a little harsh, but you know what I mean.

Form a barrier
Try an over-the-counter lotion, such as Ivy Block, that forms a protective barrier on the skin. Apply it 15 minutes prior to possible exposure.

Pyromaniacs Beware
When poisonous plants are burned, they emit dangerous fumes that can also cause an allergic response.

Treatment
Immediately rinse affected areas of skin with cool water. If water is not available, you can use rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to thoroughly rinse any objects that may have come in contact with the oil such as sunglasses, shoes and gloves.

What NOT to Do

Do not take a hot shower after possible exposure to poison ivy. It can open your pores and increase the reaction.
Do not let your animals run wild through the woods. The oil from the plants adheres very nicely to the coats of our furry friends.

With any family trip you are likely to encounter some obstacles along the way. Whether it’s a flat tire or a case of itchy, oozing poison ivy, treatments are available. So, on your next outdoors adventure with your family, remember two important things: Your poison ivy emergency kit and an extra bag of lollipops, because you never know when you may need them.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): Before your next camping trip or hike through the park, take your kids online and view some poisonous plants so they can try their best to avoid them.

Tara Kompare lives in Virginia and is a doctor of pharmacy as well as the mother of two amazing little girls. Her book ,“The Colic Chronicles” (Da Capo Lifelong) is scheduled for release in summer 2008. Her website is www.themedicinemom.com.

 Archives: