Venturing into the great outdoors offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind, but it’s important to be aware of potential hazards, such as poison ivy. The irritating rash caused by poison ivy can quickly turn an enjoyable outdoor experience into days of discomfort.
- Know How to Identify Poison Ivy
The first step in prevention is being able to identify poison ivy. Remember the old saying, “Leaves of three, let them be.” Poison ivy typically has three leaflets per stem, with a shiny surface and jagged edges. Familiarize yourself with its appearance and avoid contact whenever possible.
- Cover Up and Protect Your Skin
When heading outdoors, our urgent care clinic suggests dressing in long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize skin exposure. Consider wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics and opt for light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot any potential poison ivy plants.
- Use Protective Barriers
To create a barrier between your skin and poison ivy, consider using products like ivy-blocking lotions or barrier creams. Just like mosquito repellents, these can provide an additional layer of protection by creating a barrier on the skin that prevents the resin from poison ivy from coming into direct contact.
Get in touch with our medical clinic for product suggestions today.
- Practice Good Hygiene
Wash exposed skin promptly to remove poison ivy resin, reducing its spread.
- Be Mindful of Pets and Gear
Check pets for contact with poison ivy and wash their fur if needed. Clean outdoor equipment thoroughly to remove the resin.
Stay in the great outdoors doing the things you love with confidence. Get in touch with Nully Medical LLC for quality healthcare services in Plainville, MA, today!
Call our healthcare professionals in Massachusetts at 774-307-3745.
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