Page 6 - North Haven Magazine Issue 20 Autumn 2021

Photo credit
www.thespruce.com
by Sally Brockett
The Three
The Three Poisonous Poisonous SistersSisters Poisonous Sisters
The Three

hroughout the year, Connecticut residents need to be cautious about the three poisonous sisters, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison
Tsumac. Some people may be mildly reactive to these sisters, while others may be seriously allergic to the oil, urushiol, contained in all
three plants. This oil is present in every part of the plants, leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, and stays there even if the plants are alive, dried
up or dead. So, there is no season of the year when you are “safe” from possible exposure. Let’s explore more details about these three sisters
so you can protect yourself and your family from exposure and learn what to do if you do get an allergic reaction.

Exposure Symptoms Treatment
Exposure can occur accidently when you do Symptoms can occur within 4 to 48 hours Treatment includes the immediate clean-up of
not see the plants and brush up against them if you have had previous rashes from the exposed skin to remove all traces of the oil.
or walk with exposed skin through the leafy oil. If you have never had a problem with
plants. The oil can also contact your skin if any of the three sisters, it may take 2 to 3 1. Rinse exposed skin with cold water. Hot
you cut or dig up the plants or burn them to weeks for a rash to appear. Intense itching water will spread the oil.
eradicate it. It is especially dangerous to mow, may be the first sign, followed by a red 2. Apply soap to the skin (Dawn liquid, but
whack, or burn these plants because you cre- rash. Blisters may appear, but not always. any available soap is fine). Gently massage
ate thousands of tiny, airborne pieces that The blisters may break open and release soap into skin to make it foam. Avoid harsh
may land on others, or be inhaled. Be sure to fluid. The fluid does not spread the rash rubbing and brushing.
carefully clean all garden tools that have been and is not contagious. Only the oil will 3. Rinse off soap with cool running water. The
in contact with the plants because the oil can cause a reaction. Though it may seem that oil will be removed with the soapy water.
remain on the tools and be transferred to the rash is spreading over several days, 4. If you don’t have soap, use rubbing alcohol
your skin or clothes. Exposed clothes must the later eruptions usually are areas that and follow the same procedure.
be immediately washed, with care taken to were not exposed to as much of the oil. Oil
avoid handling the clothes without protec- that stays on your skin can spread if not When handling exposed clothes or tools, wear
tion. Your fur babies do not react to the oil washed off within 2-3 hours. It may take disposable gloves. Avoid thin rubber or latex
because their skin is protected by their fur, 2-3 weeks for the rash to clear up. gloves as the oil may penetrate to your skin.
but the oil can be transferred to you when Clothes need to be washed in hot water. Check
you pet them, so be sure to give them a good the Internet for specific procedures on how to
soapy bath if you know they have been in safely wash clothes.
contact with the oil.

Typically, you don’t realize you encountered one of the three sisters
until you begin to itch and/or see the rash develop. There are many
products that can be used to help control and manage the rash and
itching; however, you may not be aware of the most efficient and
effective one that we have used for some years. Native Americans
somehow discovered that jewelweed is remarkably effective in re-
lieving the itching and irritation caused by urushiol. Jewelweed is
a tall herb plant that grows in moist, semi-shady areas, often near
patches of poison ivy. It has orange and yellow blossoms through
October. To use jewelweed for poison ivy, simply break off a stem,
slice it open with your fingernail or a knife, and spread the watery
sap on your rash. Our experience has been that the itching imme-
diately stops. Continue with applications of the sap if itching reoc-
curs, and until the irritation stops and the rash clears. This usually
occurs in two to four days. This website provides some details about
ways to use jewelweed for relief from urushiol: www. thehome-
steadinghippy.com/jewelweed-natures-relief-for-poison-ivy/.
Jewelweed salve is available on the Internet if you are not inclined
to find the plant. However, it may not be as potent and effective as Jewelweed – excellent remedy for rash.
the natural, living plant.

6 North Haven Magazine - Autumn Issue 2021