Poison ivy or poison oak is a shrub found in most of the regions of North America. When a person accidentally touches its leaves he/she may develop skin rash and irritation. Oily resin like particle present in the plant causes severe itching. Toxicodendron radicans or Toxicodendron vemix is the botanical name for poison ivy and poison sumac respectively. These plants are largely found on the roadside and riverbanks and also in open fields. It can grow as lush plant even on your backyard.
Poison ivy plant can be recognized as small plant containing three leaflets that grow in clusters. The color of the leaves is mostly fresh green and its flowers are either green or yellowish green in color. The body produces antibodies instantly responding to the allergic reaction caused by the powerful resin of the plant. Urushiol is the oily resin that causes allergic rash on the skin. This oil is found in leaves, stem, and flowers and even on the root of these plants.
Quick Facts On Poison Ivy :
- Poison ivy or poison sumac is a plant that causes skin rashes when you come into contact with the leaves.
- Poison ivy rash does not spread to others and is not contagious.
- It can cause redness, itching and swelling of skin.
- It is the oil present in the leaves that induces rash.
- Symptoms would disappear within two weeks.
- Not all the people who accidentally touch this plant would develop rash. Only sensitive people are prone to get skin rash.
- Washing your skin right away after getting in touch with this plant is the best way to prevent rash.
- You can apply cool moisturizing cream or soothing lotion on the affected area to reduce the symptoms.
Symptoms :
- Itchy Rash :
The person who comes into contact with poison ivy or poison sumac plant can develop itchy rash on his body.
- Irritation/Blisters :
Some of the common signs of exposure of poison ivy include swelling of skin, severe itching, irritation and formation of blisters on the skin. The rash can look linear or as patches on the skin. Hands are more vulnerable area that develops rash.
- Breathing Problem :
People who have inhaled the smoke of this plant can develop choking and difficulty in breathing. Your clothing may have touched the plant accidentally and this can cause severe irritation and itching.
It Is The Oil That Causes Rash :
The intensity of itching depends on the amounts of oil (urushiol) that you have contacted from the plant. The person may spread the oil by mistake to other parts of his body while rubbing the skin with his fingers. The symptoms may appear on the skin within few hours of exposure to oil of the plant. The symptoms may lasts for 2-3 weeks causing extensive itching and irritation. More the oil of the plant (urushiol) the more will be the rash and itching.
You should consult your physician at once if :
- Allergic reaction is severe and extensive
- You have difficulty in breathing after inhaling the smoke of the plant
- You have blisters and swelling of the skin
- Blisters are oozing out fluid or pus
- Rash has spread to your eyes or genitals
- You have fever after getting rash
Causes :