Poison Ivy is a Common and Pesky Problem That Many Landscapers Have to Deal With on the Job

IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO POISON IVY AND TO KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY TREAT IT IF YOU DO COME INTO CONTACT WITH IT.

Preventing Poison Ivy

The best way to deal with poison ivy is to avoid it altogether. Here are a few tips for preventing poison ivy exposure:

• Learn to identify poison ivy. It's important to know what poison ivy looks like so you can avoid it. Poison ivy has three shiny green leaves that are typically arranged in a cluster. The leaves may be smooth or serrated, and they may be lobed or unlobed.
  
  
• Wear protective clothing. When working in areas where poison ivy may be present, it's important to wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves to protect your skin.
  
  
• Use herbicides. If you need to work in an area where poison ivy is present, you can use herbicides to kill the plants. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take all necessary precautions when using herbicides.
  
  
• Train your employees. Make sure that all of your employees are aware of the risks of poison ivy and know how to prevent exposure.

Treating Poison Ivy

If you do come into contact with poison ivy, it's important to take steps to treat it as soon as possible. Here are a few things you can do:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This will help to remove the oil that causes the reaction.
  
  
• Apply a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. These products can help to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with poison ivy.
  
  
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine. Antihistamines can help to reduce the symptoms of poison ivy, such as itching and swelling.
  
  
• If the symptoms are severe or if you have a large area of skin that is affected, you may need to see a doctor. They may prescribe a stronger medication to help control the reaction.

In conclusion, poison ivy is a common problem that landscapers may encounter on the job. By taking steps to prevent exposure and knowing how to properly treat it, you can help to keep yourself and your employees safe and healthy.