Global warming: Poison ivy allergy severity increases as carbon monoxide helps plants grow stronger & more virulent. Allergic to poison ivy? It's getting itchier!
Global warming? Poison ivy allergy? Global warming is being blamed for all sorts of natural disasters affecting the United States in the last several years. Well, there’s a new kid in town. Hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanoes, step aside. The news is out: global warming encourages poison ivy!
That’s right, folks. Carbon monoxide, a by-product of the global warming trend, is the new miracle-grow for poison ivy. It seems it helps the plants to grow faster and produce itchier chemicals. For anyone who has ever suffered from the deleterious effects of this lovely, lush, shiny flora with the power to cripple nations, nothing could be worse news. If you're already allergic to poison ivy, you'll understand the significance!
Most kids – and adults - eagerly await summer vacation. Camping, hiking, exploring with friends is keenly anticipated and savored as summer begins. Then it happens – the familiar itch, that tickly, persistent, mildly annoying irritation that signals the onset of your poison ivy allergy. Before you can say “Benadryl”, you’re covered with fluid-filled, oozing rashes that are unbearably itchy. The following days become a haze of misery, discomfort and pink lotion.
It is actually the chemical Urushiol in the plant oil that clings to the leaf and not the plant itself that is the culprit. (The oil clings to whatever it touches, and can remain potent for a very long period of time.) There are products on the market that will kill poison ivy pretty effectively if you live in a suburban setting and happen to find a few sprigs growing along your fence. If, however, you live in the country, along a wooded area, like to camp, hike or walk in anything resembling the great outdoors, it becomes a little more difficult!
There are numerous websites dedicated to this #1 scourge on summer (#2 is squirrels!). They discuss various ways to identify, avoid, and treat exposure to it. Antihistamines and topical treatments are the most common for those mildly allergic to poison ivy, but for the most severe cases topical or oral steroids may be required. Since poison ivy exists in almost every state in the nation in various forms, education is important.
The best, most informative website I have found to date is PoisonIvy.org. Put this one in your favorites list if you have a severe poison ivy allergy – the pictures alone are enough to encourage you to keep your guard up!
Once you’re familiar with its appearance, you’ll find it very easy to spot and avoid as you make your way through vacation and outdoor activities. Enjoy your summer - global warming, poison ivy allergy and all!
