Remember diving into a pile of just raked leaves without a care in the world? How about a fall hike in the woods? That seems harmless, too. But if you're allergic to poison ivy, these fun fall activities could leave you with a month's worth of discomfort.

Poison Ivy is found in woods and backyard gardens all over this area of the country. The plant has an oily residue that stays on skin and clothes after contact. Many people are allergic to that residue and suffer from an itchy, painful red rash after contact with the plant. Experts from Fayette urgent Care warn that this reaction is more common than most people know.

“This doesn't just affect those people with allergies,” said Dr. Terry Rice, medical director of Fayette Urgent Care. “People who don't normally suffer from allergies, such as hay fever, also suffer bad reactions to poison ivy.”

Reactions usually occur one-to-two days after contact with poison ivy. You don't even have to directly touch the plant to have contact with it. The residue on poison ivy can remain on unwashed clothes and shoes for up to six months. Another culprit is often the family pet who brushes against a plant and then rubs against his owner, spreading the allergy-causing residue.

Dr. Rice says the best way to avoid a poison ivy reaction is to avoid the plant altogether.

“Know what it looks like - a small green plant that has three leaflets on each leaf,” said Dr. Rice.

Protective creams that can be applied before possible exposure to poison ivy are also available in pharmacies. If these measures don't help and you think you've been exposed to poison ivy, Dr. Rice suggests:

Removing and washing all clothes and shoes that have touched poison ivy.

Bathing yourself and applying rubbing alcohol to the exposed skin with cotton balls within six hours of the exposure.

If a rash still occurs, check it for signs of infection (bright red color or pus). If it looks at all infected, see a doctor. In addition, Dr. Rice suggests, applying calamine lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the rash and taking an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl.

If you suffer from a serious allergic reaction to poison ivy or any injury that does not require emergency care, the physicians at

Fayette Urgent Care are available from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week. It is located at Ga. Hwy 54 at 105 Yorktown Dr. in Fayetteville.

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