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What to Do After Touching Poison Ivy?

What to Do After Touching Poison Ivy?

At Sesmas Tree Service, we have a lot of experience dealing with trees, plants, and ivies. One that…

Feb 01,2019

What to Do After Touching Poison Ivy?

At Sesmas Tree Service, we have a lot of experience dealing with trees, plants, and ivies. One that a lot of people ask us questions about is poison ivy. We are always happy to answer questions or concerns so we have decided to put an article together to help you understand poison ivy and learn what to do if you touch it. If you have poison ivy in your yard and would like to have it professionally removed, or even cared for, then call Sesmas Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborist can come by as soon as possible.

What to Do After Touching Poison Ivy?

What Is Poison Ivy?

Found throughout the continental U.S. apart from some areas in the West Coast, the poison ivy can grow as a vine or small shrub. Each of its leaves has three glossy leaflets that are reddish in the spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in the fall. They can cause an itchy rash on your skin when you touch it.

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What Causes the Poison Ivy Rash?

Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol oil. A poison ivy rash can occur when this urushiol oil soaks into your skin. You can get a rash if you touch any part of the poison ivy plant, pets or clothes with the oil on them, or a person with the urushiol oil on them. In short, it is the oil that causes the itching and uncomfortable sensation.

Signs and Symptoms of a Poison Ivy Rash

The tell-tale sign of a poison ivy encounter is a red, swollen, and itchy rash that forms within hours or a few days after exposure to the poison ivy. This rash can appear in thick patches or thin lines where the plant leaves rubbed against the skin. They may form blisters that leak clear or yellow liquid, then crust over and become scaly.

What to Do If Exposed to Poison Ivy

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3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

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Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

If you suspect that you have touched poison ivy, then rinse the area on your skin with cool water right away. Wash it with soap and water, then rinse your skin well. Using hot water may cause the oil to spread! A solution of half rubbing alcohol and half water can also help the rash be less severe.

A poison ivy rash should then be treated with an antiseptic or drying cream to dry out the rash. Steroids can also help decrease itching and inflammation. Finally, antihistamines may also help decrease itching and help you sleep.

Does Poison Ivy Spread? Is It Contagious?

Sort of. The rash is caused by the urushiol oil. So, rashes may spread if you fail to clean your skin of the oil. However, the rashes themselves will not spread unless the oil is on them. This is why you should clean your skin with soap and water as soon as possible. You do not want to spread this sensation anywhere!

Feel free to call Sesmas Tree Service if you have any questions about poison ivy or any type of tree removal services in your area. We are not a medical professional. Be sure to call your physician if you have questions about the effects of poison ivy rash.

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