With summer in full swing, many of us are spending more time in the yard, on trails, or exploring Riverwoods’ green spaces — which means it’s a good time for a poison ivy refresher.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain an oily compound called urushiol, and 50–75% of adults are allergic to it. The resulting rash is notoriously itchy, can take three weeks or more to fully resolve, and sends an estimated 43,000 people to the ER each year nationwide.
The best defense is speed. If you think you’ve been exposed, wash your skin as soon as possible — urushiol fully absorbs into skin in about 20 minutes, so the faster you act, the better your chances of avoiding a reaction. Use dish soap and water, and don’t forget to wash clothing, shoes, gardening tools, and even pets, since the oil can linger on surfaces for months or longer.
If a rash does develop, topical corticosteroids, cool compresses, and calamine lotion can help ease the itch. See a doctor if the rash covers more than 20% of your body, affects your face or hands, or is making daily life miserable — and if you’re prescribed oral steroids, be sure to finish the full course, since stopping early can cause the rash to come back worse than before.
Source: “Act Quickly to Minimize Poison Ivy Rash” by Cameron Walker, The New York Times (republished in the Chicago Tribune, June 25, 2026).