Does anyone know how one comes into contact with the urushiol? Can you walk through a patch and have leaves brush a hand or leg and become affected - or does one have to break a stem or leaf and have the sap come into contact with the skin? I guess my question is whether urushiol exists on leaves and stems...
The urushiol unfortunately is on the leaves, stems, and roots. It is sticky. It will last for a long time on anything it transfers to -- like clothing, tools, or animal fur. It transfers really easily. Whatever you do -- don't ever burn it. The oil will transfer with the smoke, and cause serious mouth and throat problems. My mother was extremely sensitive to it. My two sons are quite sensitive to it. It has minimal effect on me for some reason. My father was the same, until he was in his late 50s.
We mostly just have poison ivy east of the Mississippi. But, it has a number of forms, from low lying leaves, to huge ropes that entwine massive trees. Learn all the forms.
Ken
P.S. If you think you have come in contact with it, or your pet has been in contact with it, get some Fels-Naptha soap. As soon as possible, wash thoroughly in cold water. I always keep a bar on the deepsink in the basement. I may be far more sensitive than I think I am because I do wash regularly with this nasty old soap when I've come in from bush hogging, weed whacking, pulling weeds, picking berries, etc.
