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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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