Biomechanics
By Amanda Brunner

Poison Ivy Season

Urushiol oil is one of the most potent poisons Mother Nature has ever whipped up and amazingly it is found almost everywhere. Since I’m assuming you are a mountain biker (or even just as outdoorsy type) you’ve more than likely ran into your fair share of the stuff. It is also known as Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac.

Only one billionth of a gram is needed to cause a rash on the body. The amount that covers the head of a pin is potent enough to cause 500 people to break out into a rash. Don’t assume that if the plant is dead that it is no longer poisonous. The oil can be potent up to 5 years after the death of the plant. First published records of poison Ivy date back to the 1600’s. Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac account for the most common allergy in the entire country. Over half the population has an allergic reaction to it. Captain John Smith in 1609 coined the term Poison Ivy. If you happen to live in some states such as California and work outdoors a Poison Ivy rash can actually be covered under workman’s comp. Direct contact is needed to release the urushiol oil, but even forest fire smoke or trimming and mowing can cause you to come in contact with the oil in airborne form.

There are many myths about poison Ivy. One common myth is that if you have been exposed to Poison Ivy in the past and have not broken out you must be immune. That is not entirely correct. The more times you are exposed to urushiol, the more likely it is that you will break out with an allergic reaction in the future. The first time you break out into a rash it could take up to 7 to 10 days after exposure before your body begins to react.

Another popular myth is that Poison Ivy is contagious. The fact is that the only way to spread Poison Ivy is if the urushiol oil is still present on your hands and you touch another person or touch other parts of your body, so make sure you wash your hands as soon as you come in contact with the oil (if in doubt, wash them anyway). Breaking the blisters does not cause the oil to spread but it’s still recommended that you don’t pick at the rash. It could cause infection and may even result in permanent scarring. In cases of extreme rash, you may need to see a doctor and have them expel the extra fluid buildup beneath the skin.

Also I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “leaves of three, let them be”. Unfortunately this one isn’t entirely true either. Poison Sumac, for example, often has 7 to 13 leaves on a branch (the others do have 3 leaves in a cluster).

So what are the usual symptoms of the Poison Ivy rash? You will usually suffer itchy skin where the plant came in contact, red streaks or general redness where the plant brushed against the skin, small bumps or larger raised areas, and/or blisters filled with fluid that may leak out. Serious symptoms may include swelling of the face, mouth, neck, genitals, or eyelids. It could also include widespread, large blisters that ooze large amounts of fluid.

So let’s say you have a rash, what do you do now? First of all you should have washed your entire body thoroughly with warm soapy water as soon as possible after suspecting you came in contact with the plant to prevent spreading. Once the rash is present, any over the counter ivy wash is recommended to help the symptoms of itching, and burning. Topical lidocaine can aid in alleviating these symptoms as well. But due to the risk of breaking open your blisters or getting the oil under your nails (which could be spread all over), don’t scratch!

If you have any questions on this topic or any other medical topics related to cycling please e-mail Amanda.

Who knows, your question may be in the next article.