The first annual warm spring weekend always brings with it a multitude of nature enthusiasts, hiking, camping and generally just being outdoors. When the weekend is over, however, some will wake up with an itch. Pretty soon, these poor people might be facing a complete Poison Ivy Allergy infection. The red rash will drive them to find calamine lotion and other forms of relief, scratching all the way. Almost 85% of people in the U.S. are prone to poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergies, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The "Poison"

Urushiol is a toxic oil found in certain plants for protection of its leaves, stems and roots. An allergic reaction can only occur when the oil is touched directly, but steering clear of it is not as easy as it seems. Urushiol can rub off on any part of your body or clothing, or a pet. If the oil hasn't been washed off your skin and you scratch yourself, he oil and find its way under your fingernails. The more you scratch, the more the oil spreads, and the bigger the rash. If you burn wood or plants that have Urushiol for a campfire, tiny particles that can be breathed in can get into the air. This can get the oil in your nose, eyes, and throat, irritating these areas.

Preventing an Allergic Reaction

To protect yourself against a Urushiol rash, ensure that there's no oil on anything that could touch your skin, either now or later on. The part of Urushiol that makes it toxic can stay potent for up to a year. If you think that you've come into contact with a poisonous plant, you can prevent a reaction by following these steps:

• Take a cool shower. Your pores will open up under heat, and Urushiol will be able to permeate your skin easier. Using rubbing alcohol on the affected skin can also help before a shower, but keep in mind that the alcohol is not only cleansing your skin of the Urushiol oil, but all oil, even the ones that protect your skin. You will be vulnerable to the next encounter, so shower again when the day is done.
• Use a fine brush or toothbrush to clean under your fingernails. Get rid of the dirt and oil, finishing off with a soap and water. Clean your utensils and anything else used in the cleaning process before cleaning off the oil.
• Do your laundry right away, washing what you wore that day separate from the other clothes.

If your skin touches Urushiol directly, don't panic. It will be about 10-15 minutes before the oil penetrates the skin, so you might be able to head off a reaction by cleaning with soap and water before absorption.