Prevention

• Avoid these plants. Learn what they look like in your area. Be aware that their appearance can vary with the seasons.
  
  
• Do not burn the plants. Burning can release the allergens into the air.
  
  
• Wear proper clothing to protect your skin, such as gloves, long sleeves, and long pants.
  
  
• Bathe pets that may have the oil on their fur. Use soapy water. Do not forget to wear protective clothing while doing this.
  
  
• Wash any clothing that might contain the plant oil. Unwashed clothes can retain the oil and cause a rash in anyone who wears or handles them.
  
  
• Before you go out in a potentially infested area, you can apply nonprescription products such as Ivy Block or Stokoguard, which act as a barrier to the oils.
  
  
• Remember that the oil can be transferred from people, pets, or objects. Thoroughly wash anything that may carry the oil.