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About half the population in America is susceptible to allergic reactions from poison ivy and poison oak. Those reactions are anything but pleasant— a nagging itch and red rash , caused by the toxin urshiol.

The best defense against poison ivy and poison oak is avoidance. The next best defense is to know how to treat the symptoms if avoidance fails. Here are some timely suggestions:

1) Recognize the plants— the only way to avoid poison ivy or poison oak is to know what they look like so you can keep your distance. Both plants have three leaflets and white berries. Some people remember this by reciting these two old rhymes: ” Leaflets three, let it be”, “Berries white, poisonous sight”. If you recognize poison ivy or poison oak, you should avoid contact with any part of the plants.

2) Wash the area of contact immediately— you may be able to avoid becoming infected if within 1 to 3 minutes after exposure you can remove the irritating oil by washing the affected area with rubbing alcohol, or if none is available, lots of water.

3) Use a lotion— some over-the-counter lotions containing calamine or zinc oxide can help relieve itching. However, you should avoid lotions containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, and benzocaine, a topical anesthetic.

4) Don’t scratch— although it’s difficult to keep from doing it, you should not scratch the itchy area, and you should also avoid using hot water on affected areas.

5) Try a cool compress— take a piece of cotton cloth soaked in cool water and place it over the affected area. Let a fan blow over the area also.

6) Jewelweed to the rescue— some people report that an effective herbal treatment involves rubbing the crushed leaves and stems of the orange-or yellow-flowered jewelweed over the affected area.

7) Wash everything— if your clothing or equipment has touched poison ivy or poison oak, clean them as soon as possible.

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