Leaves of Three - LET IT BE!

Cross Country runners are very proud of the fact that they traverse all types of terrain, however, there are some hazards of running “off the beaten path.” The biggest risk is that of running through poison ivy (or poison oak or sumac,) so it is very important to learn how to identify these dangerous plants and learn what to do if you come in contact with them.

Over 350,000 people are affected by poison ivy annually in the U.S. The sap of poison-ivy (and related plants) contains the chemical urushiol which causes an allergic reaction. After injury to the plant, the sap leaks to the surface of the plant where the urushiol becomes a blackish lacquer after contact with oxygen.

The urushiol binds to the skin on contact, where it causes severe itching that develops into reddish colored inflammation or non-colored bumps, and then blistering. These wounds may be treated with oatmeal baths and baking soda or over-the-counter products such as Calamine lotion or "Ivy Dry Super."

For more information on identifying and treating poison ivy, oak and sumac, please visit http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view.