Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a plant that causes an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with your skin. Poison ivy grows as a vine in the East, Midwest and Southern United States and as a shrub in the North, West, Canada and around the Great Lakes. A poison ivy plant contains urushiol, an oil found in the sap. Contact with this oil is what causes the allergic reaction.

After you have come into contact with the urushiol, it starts to penetrate the skin within minutes and within 12 to 48 hours an allergic reaction happens. The allergic reaction causes severe itching, redness, and inflammation followed by blisters. These rash like symptoms can last for up to 10 days. Poison ivy rashes can appear on any part of the body.

Approximately 85% of the people will have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. In most cases sensitivity to poison ivy decreases with age. Some people may find that they stop getting the allergic reaction to poison ivy completely.

Home treatment will relieve the symptoms of the poison ivy allergic reaction but will not make it go away any faster. To relieve the itching and help dry the blisters calamine lotion and antihistamines are helpful. You can also purchase over-the-counter medications made especially for treating the poison ivy rash also. If you develop a severe reaction to poison ivy you may need to see your doctor who will prescribe corticosteroid pills or give you a corticosteroid injection to help clear up the rash more quickly.

1. Learn to recognize the poison ivy plant and avoid them
2. If you know you have come in contact with a plant wash the area throughly withing 10 to 15 minutes of contact
3. Wear heavy clothing when going to an area popular for the plants

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Poison Ivy, please consult your doctor.