Don't let poison damper your day

It comes in all shapes and sizes—red, yellow, green, one leaf, three leaves, bushes, plants and vines—and it can really put a damper on your time outdoors. It’s poison and can commonly cause uninvited rashes and blisters on the skin.

Protect yourself from common poisons, like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, by practicing these five prevention strategies.

• Educate yourself. Learn about common poisons and what to look for. Keep away from areas where you know they grow.
• Dress with clothes that cover your body. Consider close-toed shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. If any clothes come in contact with poisonous plants, wash them immediately.
• If you are exposed to poison, wash immediately with warm water. This will get the plant’s oil off your skin and keep it from spreading.
• Scrub your fingernails. If the oils are on your fingers, it can spread wherever you touch.
• Make it a habit to wash outdoor items and equipment. Once oils from poisonous plants get on items, the oils can last up to five years.