Prevention:
If are going to be in poison ivy in the near future, the most powerful defense you have is knowing what to look for, and avoid.

Poison Ivy also has tightly grouped leaves of three, and can grow as a bush or as a vine. It likes to grow in shady moist areas, usually under the canopy of large trees. What distinguishes it from poison oak is that it has more rounded leaves that come to a point at the tip; and it tends to have yellowish green leaves.


How to dress:
Use common sense when dressing for possible contact with poison ivy. Wear long pants and a long shirt that covers forearms, lower legs and ankles (these are the most commonly affected areas). Also, don't ever wear open toed shoes, or sandals, etc. when being near poisonous plants.

Protective Lotion:

There are also products available that can be put on skin to act as a barrier to the harmful urushiol secreted from poisonous plants. Ivy block, made by EnviroDerm Pharmaceuticals works well.

What NOT to do...
Remember not to shower or wash your skin BEFORE going into areas that may have poison ivy. The natural oils in your skin act as a barrier to poison ivy; if they are removed, the urushiol will be quickly absorbed by your skin and the resulting rash will be much worse.