Poison Ivy

I used to say I never get poison ivy, but so far I’ve had it twice this year. The first time I had to take steroids to get rid of it. I have a small spot on my leg now, but it’s not that bad. Lora has it pretty bad on her leg and she is now on the steroids and our doctor gave us a steroid cream to put on it, which helps with the itch.

We thought we were careful and we washed after each ride. Lora was using Ivy Block, but we discovered it was expired, whoops. I just took my first dose of Oral Ivy, which is basically liquid poison ivy. It is supposed to help with the symptoms and prevent the reaction. It has been around since the 1950's and was invented in PA. It's considered a homeopathic treatment. I'll let you know if it works. I'm a bit nervous about drinking poison ivy, wouldn't you be?

Poison Ivy secrets an oil, called urushiol, that is a skin irritant. Some people are like me and usually don’t get it, but as I found out, the more you are exposed to it the greater chance you have of getting it. It’s not just the plant you have to worry about. Its anything that comes in contact with the plant, like your bike, tires, shoes, pets, etc. The oil spreads easily. Some people where knee high socks to help prevent the ivy from touching their skin, but you have be careful when you take off your shoes and socks and what they touch.

It’s everywhere. “Leaves of three let it be” as they say, but if you are riding in the woods chances are you are going to come in contact with it. Not all plants with 3 leaves are poison ivy, but why take the chance. Even though you usually see it on the ground it is a vine and can climb other bushes and trees, “Hairy vine, no friend of mine”

Peace, love and single track.