Poison ivy causes an allergic reaction in most people who come into contact with it. Symptoms include a rash that can vary in severity and last for several weeks. The reaction is caused by an oil called urushiol found on the plant, and can only be spread through direct contact. Mild cases can be treated with washing and calamine lotion, but severe cases may require medical attention. Symptoms of a severe reaction can include fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat and face.
Poison ivy is a common plant found across much of North America. Causes a severe allergic reaction in most who come into contact with it. About 75% of the population is allergic to poison ivy to some degree. Poison ivy symptoms can vary, as some people are more allergic to the plant than others. The most common symptom is contact dermatitis, a rash that usually occurs within 48 hours of contact. The rash can vary in severity. In some cases it might just be a red, itchy inflamed area of skin that causes minor discomfort, but other times the rash can break out into large bumps, hives, or even blisters that break out.
Poison ivy symptoms are caused by an oil called urushiol that coats the plant. The same oil is found in poison oak and sumac. Urushiol can also kill poison ivy and retain its poisonous attributes. You can get poison ivy from a pet, gardening tools, or hiking gear that rubbed against the plant. Usually only areas of the body that have come in direct contact with urushiol will show symptoms of poison ivy. It cannot spread to other parts of the body, nor is it contagious. Poison ivy rashes only come from direct contact with the plant itself or the oil found on it.
Poison ivy symptoms can be persistent and remain prevalent for several weeks. Without any treatment, poison ivy rash can last anywhere from ten days to six weeks. Treatment for a mild rash caused by poison ivy includes regularly washing the area with water, refraining from digging and scratching, and applying calamine lotion to the affected area.
More severe poison ivy symptoms can occur after exposure and these usually require medical attention. For people who are severely allergic to urushiol, the reaction will spread to parts of the body that have not come into direct contact with the oil. Serious poison ivy symptoms can include fever, dizziness, and even difficulty breathing. Serious symptoms can also include swelling of the throat and face, including the eyelids and mouth. During a severe reaction to poison ivy, regular symptoms will also be more pronounced. The rash will be more inflamed and itchy, and the blisters will be widespread, larger, and oozing more fluid. Medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible in case of a severe reaction.
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