We have a close relative of poison-ivy, called poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). If you are going to spend time in any wild places in southern California or northern Baja California (except in the deserts), it is very important that you learn to recognize this plant. It is a common component of the natural vegetation in coastal canyons, foothill chaparral, and forest systems throughout the region.

Poison ivy is the most common and widespread plant of the three. It is characterized by its leaves, which have three or five serrated-edge, pointed leaflets. Its leaves assume bright colors in the fall, turning yellow and then red. Poison ivy grows as a vine or free-standing plant in the East, Midwest, and South and as a shrub in the far northern and western United States, including the Great Lakes and Canada. See similar questions...

The differences are significant. ONGARD® does not contain alcohol so it doesn’t dry your skin. ONGARD® does not contain clay which will cake on your skin and wash off if you sweat or you get your skin wet. Also, ONGARD® contains allantoin which is an emollient that makes your skin feel good and it also helps heal minor cuts or bruises. See similar questions...

The best way to deal with Poison Ivy is to first properly identify it. In the spring Poison Ivy emerges as small red leaves. Soon it matures into a bright green leaf made up of 3 leaflets. It appears as a low shrub or climbing vine. In the spring and early summer you can try to control new poison ivy growth by spraying it with a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate. These can be found at your local garden center or hardware store. See similar questions...

Theoretically, desensitization or allergy shots to poison ivy can be accomplished; however, practically it cannot be done. It has been tried in the past, and the side effects have been too great to warrant widespread use. Thus, at the present time, there is no available desensitization program for poison ivy or poison oak. See similar questions...

No, there are no poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac or any climbing plants in our area due to the cold climate. See similar questions...

Poison oak grows from sea level to 5,000 feet of elevation. Characterized by alternate leaves with three or occasionally five veined, shiny leaflets, poison oak thrives throughout California. In the autumn, the leaves turn a deep red color. To learn more about poison oak, visit the California Poison Control System website . But be advised, hiking member Brian cautions NOT to follow the advice about using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on affected skin areas. See similar questions...

ONGARD® needs to be applied every four hours. The reason is that the skin sloughs off skin particles after about four hours so any protectant should be re-applied every four hours. See similar questions...

Yes you can. Most animals have a protective skin that is immune to the urushiol oil in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The urushiol oil can remain on the surface of your pet’s fur or skin and when a human hand touches the animal, the urushiol oil can transfer to you. See similar questions...

Before you go outside, apply ONGARD® Skin Protectant to your hands and any other exposed skin that could touch the leaves on any poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac plant. If you stay outside, you should re-apply ONGARD® every four hours. If you touch any of those plants, be sure to wash off the sap from those plants with soap and water, and then dry your skin with a disposable paper towel. See similar questions...

No. Zanfel actually removes the toxin, urushiol oil, from the skin after contact has been made with the plant. There is no need to use it until you are certain you contacted the plant or when swelling and itching begin. In this way, you avoid wasting the product. Even if you use barrier or preventive creams, they may not always be effective and they do not shield your clothing. Oil on your clothing may contaminate you when you undress. See similar questions...

Per Erica G., "there is poison ivy on the island, but I've never actually seen it. I know its there, however, because my sister got it all over her arms up there once several years ago. It isn't very common though. My dad said there never used to be any up there when he was little. Some hiker must have tracked it in on their equipment or clothing." See similar questions...

Poison ivy is not controlled under the basic lawn care program. It may need a professional round up burn depending on the area and the amount of poison ivy present. We would have a manager inspect the area and give his recommendation for removal. To learn more about poison ivy, click here for another informative article. See similar questions...

Poison ivy is not routinely removed from park land unless it is near a playground, on a trail or other high-use area. Poison ivy is native to Virginia and is considered a natural part of our parks. See similar questions...

Poison Ivy (Toxicondendron radicans) contains an oil called Urushiol that causes the skin rash and associated itching. Urushiol is present in all parts of the poison ivy plant. Spreading the oil causes the rash to spread. The oil can be spread from contaminated clothing, pets, footwear, tools and equipment. Once the oil is removed from your skin, the rash cannot be spread by touching the rash. The oil can be removed by washing with detergent and water. See similar questions...

Tecnu Extreme gets to the root of the problem by first working to remove the rash causing toxin urushiol from the skin. Even after the urushiol has attached itself to the skin, Tecnu Extreme can remove it. If a person removes the urushiol in time, the rash can actually be avoided. Simply squeeze a marble sized amount of Tecnu Extreme into the palm of your hand. Add a slight amount of water and gently rub Tecnu Extreme over skin that has been exposed the poison plants then rinse off with water. See similar questions...

A:I've had Poison Oak numerous times, but never Poison Ivy. My sources tell me Poison Oak is a bit worse. A:There are only two kinds of people: Those who get Poison Oak, and those who are going to get it. In other words, though there are those who are immune to Poison Oak, their immunity does wear off with repeated exposure. Contrary to popular belief, the more you are exposed to poison oak, the worse the rash gets. See similar questions...