Seasonal Changes and Poison Ivy Rash: Dermatologist Tips for Year-Round Protection

If you live in a rural area or spend a lot of time in the countryside, then you’re likely uncomfortably familiar with poison ivy. “Leaves of three, let it be” is probably a mantra you were taught as a child and still use to this day to help you identify poison ivy plants.

But there’s more to avoiding poison ivy rash than simply knowing how to identify fully developed plants in the wild. Like many plants, poison ivy undergoes seasonal changes that affect what it looks like and where it might appear.

Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.

Poison Ivy in the Spring:

Like many plants, poison ivy is just starting to blossom and thrive in the spring. It develops green buds that turn white as they eventually develop into flowers. Leaves may be red, green, or a combination of the two. But when the leaves are red, it’s easy to mistake the plant for fragrant sumac.

Poison Ivy in the Summer:

New poison ivy leaves continue to grow in red throughout the summer, but mature leaves that have been growing since spring will turn green. Plants also eventually develop small, white berries throughout the summer. Leaf shapes and sizes at this stage are variable and are easy to mistake for other plants, such as the Virginia creeper.

Poison Ivy in the Fall

In the fall, poison ivy leaves transition to familiar seasonal hues like red, yellow, and orange. But don’t be fooled by its beautiful appearance. All parts of the plant still contain plenty of oily urushiols and can easily give you poison ivy rash if touched.

Poison Ivy in the Winter

As temperatures continue to drop in the winter, leaves will change color until they become a deep red. Eventually, they will die and fall off. However, you’ll still be able to see (and come into contact with) the plant’s white berries and occasionally also its exposed roots or bare branches.

Naturally, it’s better to avoid poison ivy altogether. But if you do believe you’ve come into contact with some, wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as you can. If you develop a poison ivy rash, consider seeking medical attention.

The Skin Surgery Center can help you find relief and reduce the severity of poison ivy rash with personalized treatment options. Schedule an appointment online today.