The spring and summer months usually bless those of us in the Black Belt with beautiful weather, good enough to spend plenty of hours outdoors either enjoying a recreational activity of checking off items on that to-do list.

But, that nice weather and time outdoors puts us face-to-face, or rather skin-to-leaf with the infamous poison ivy.

According to the site Poisonivy.org, there are some good uses for the irritating plant.

It feeds wild birds and animals that eat it without ill effects. It holds the earth very well against erosion near the ocean and Native Americans even had medical uses for it.

But, that does little to comfort those who find themselves laid up with a rash, rubbing lotion and wishing such an item never existed.

According to the site, a person should rinse with lots of cold water immediately after coming into contact with poison ivy, avoiding warm or hot water as that only opens up pores, allowing the irritating oil to seep deeper into skin.

Although, if you don’t notice you’ve come into contact with poison ivy until the next day, there is little you can do other than contact your doctor to see if there are steps to prevent the rash from really taking hold.

“At first you get a slight, itchy spot, which gets worse and worse,” the site says, describing the onset of a poison ivy rash. “It can be a small, itchy area that will annoy you, or it can cover your whole body with giant red sores that will drive you nuts.”

There are a number of rumored household remedies, but it is suggested the best route is to contact your physician to seek the best treatment.

What causes the rash?

An oil on the plant — urushoil — cases the allergic reaction. The oil is in the plant’s leaves, vines and roots. According to Poisonivy.org, the prevalence of oil in all parts of the plant is what makes pulling out the vine so dangerous.

What about my pets?

According to the site, no animal — other than humans — can get a rash from poison ivy. However, the oil from poison ivy  — the urushoil oil — can adhere to a pet’s fur and come into contact with your skin that way.

Where can It be found?

In short. Everywhere.

Everywhere in the United States and southern Canada except for the far west, deserts and at high altitudes. In the west, there is more poison oak.

Source: Poisonivy.org