I’m told by formerly-immune relatives that repeated exposures to poison ivy can make you start reacting to it. I’m not sure how that works or if something changed in their bodies as they got older but a few of them were certain it happened (they were older state workers and landscapers so they’d had plenty of contact and know how to identify it).
I am an arborist. I used to not react to poison oak/ivy/sumac until one day a vine wrapped around my arm and when I tugged it, it scraped my skin. Shortly after that, I got a nasty weeping blister where it scratched me and ever since I get the rash when I come into direct contact with it. Not so bad if it just brushes my jeans or shirt though
I’ve heard the same. I’ve been exposed to it enough times to know I don’t react to it. I’m also a pasty nerd with an aversion to sunlight, though, so maybe I’m still immune. My sister is so sensitive to it she seems to break out in rashes even after just walking by the stuff.
It’s funny, I spend tons of time out in the woods and on trails and I’ve never gotten it, no idea how often I’m exposed. I don’t do landscaping or roadside work but I still see it occasionally. I’ve always wondered if I’m chipping away at my immunity with each encounter or if it’s age based and I should be getting my money’s worth before it runs out
You’d better be damn good with your PPE setup if you want to try that shit.
Just pay someone like me who isn’t allergic to it to handle it for you!
I’m told by formerly-immune relatives that repeated exposures to poison ivy can make you start reacting to it. I’m not sure how that works or if something changed in their bodies as they got older but a few of them were certain it happened (they were older state workers and landscapers so they’d had plenty of contact and know how to identify it).
I am an arborist. I used to not react to poison oak/ivy/sumac until one day a vine wrapped around my arm and when I tugged it, it scraped my skin. Shortly after that, I got a nasty weeping blister where it scratched me and ever since I get the rash when I come into direct contact with it. Not so bad if it just brushes my jeans or shirt though
I’ve heard the same. I’ve been exposed to it enough times to know I don’t react to it. I’m also a pasty nerd with an aversion to sunlight, though, so maybe I’m still immune. My sister is so sensitive to it she seems to break out in rashes even after just walking by the stuff.
It’s funny, I spend tons of time out in the woods and on trails and I’ve never gotten it, no idea how often I’m exposed. I don’t do landscaping or roadside work but I still see it occasionally. I’ve always wondered if I’m chipping away at my immunity with each encounter or if it’s age based and I should be getting my money’s worth before it runs out
If it’s age based I may be SOL since I’m pushing 40. I’m not super enthused about the idea of testing it, though.
There’s a HUGE difference between not allergic to unbroken leaves and not allergic to cutting up poison ivy leaves.
Take it from someone who isn’t “allergic” to poison ivy and had a rude awakening after accidentally hitting some with a string trimmer.
The Law of Return cares not about your PPE.