quare MORE IVY: Have you come into contact with poison ivy?

Farmers Almanac offers some advice on treating the itchy rash from the pesky plant.

‘If you believe you have come into contact with poison ivy, first wash the area thoroughly with soap and hot water, using a washcloth. Rinse and repeat at least three times to ensure that all the poison is gone. (Urushiol, the substance in poison ivy that makes you itch, is a sticky oil that is hard to wash away.) Make sure to wash all clothes, and anything else that has come into contact with the plant.

‘Signs and symptoms of poison ivy include: redness, itching, swelling, blisters, and difficulty breathing (if you’ve inhaled smoke from burning poison ivy). The poison ivy rash or reaction usually develops within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and symptoms will last for 2 to 3 weeks.’

Remedies: Apply witch hazel to the affected area to soothe itches.

Cover your poison ivy rash with a paste made from baking soda and water (a few drops). Apply the mixture for 10 minutes before washing off. (A paste made from water and cornstarch may also work.)

Add oatmeal (1 cup) or Epsom salt (2 cups) to a warm bath. Grinding the oatmeal into a powder in a blender beforehand works best.

Rub a banana peel or watermelon rind over the rash. Allow it to dry naturally without rinsing off.

Make a paste of equal parts turmeric and lemon or lime juice (about 1 tablespoon) and apply to the affected area.

Whip a raw potato into a paste in your blender. Spread it onto your skin and cover loosely with plastic wrap.