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Its that time of the year again. The weather is
warm and many of us are out cleaning up our yards after a long winter. At
the same time, nature is waking up and that doesn't only mean the tulips and
azaleas. Many less desirable plants have begun to grow as well. This
is the time of year when poison ivy cases increase dramatically as people and
plants come into close contact again. Many people don't realize that you don't
have to go into the woods to get poison ivy. Plants, animals, clothing,
and family members that have been in contact with the plant can bring the
irritating oils into the house and cause a rash on others who have never
ventured outdoors. Below are pictures of poison ivy and links to some web
sites with important information on the subject. Hopefully this
information will dispel some common myths about poison ivy ( i.e.: despite the
common misperception, you can not spread poison ivy) and help our patients avoid
this annoying rash so you can all have a great spring and summer.
Poison Ivy Pictures
The compound leaves of poison-ivy consist of three pointed
leaflets; the middle leaflet has a much longer stalk than the two side ones. The
leaflet edges can be smooth or toothed but are rarely lobed. The leaves vary
greatly in size, from 8 to 55 mm in length. They are reddish when they emerge in
the spring, turn green during the summer, and become various shades of yellow,
orange or red in the autumn.
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