However, severe cases — when the rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, and genitals, you get an infection, or you develop a fever — require medical attention to avoid complications. You can prevent a poison ivy rash by doing the following:. If your skin comes in contact with urushiol — whether directly from poison ivy or from other objects that may have brushed against it — you may develop an itchy, swollen rash with blisters.
You must immediately wash your skin and everything else that was contaminated to rinse out the urushiol. The rash will eventually go away on its own, but you need to see a doctor if you develop a fever or the rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, and genitals.
World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation.
Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots. It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close.
The skin is not naturally sensitive to urushiol, however, sensitivity builds up once the skin is exposed to the substance. When the skin is initially exposed to urushiol, it notifies the immune system of the presence of the irritating chemical. A visible reaction does not typically occur the first time someone is in contact with a poisonous plant. The immune system prepares a defensive reaction for subsequent encounters with the harmful substance. This makes the skin increasingly sensitive and means the future contact with urushiol will cause an allergic reaction.
Poison ivy is found in most areas throughout the United States, with exception to Alaska, Hawaii, and the desert areas of the Southwest. In some areas of the country such as the East, Midwest, and South, poison ivy grows in the form of a vine. A poison ivy leaf contains three smaller leaflets. Most rashes caused by poison ivy are mild and typically last about 5 to 12 days. In more severe cases, the rash can last up to 30 days or more. Symptoms and Causes of Poison Ivy.
Also wash as soon as possible any other items that came in contact with the plant oil — such as outdoor gear, garden tools, jewelry, shoes and even shoelaces.
Urushiol can remain potent for years. So if you put away a contaminated jacket without washing it and take it out a year later, the oil on the jacket may still cause a rash. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Poison ivy rash Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy rash Brushing against a poison ivy plant can cause a red, itchy rash.
Poison ivy rash on arm Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy rash on arm Brushing against a poison ivy plant can cause bumps and blisters. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Poison ivy plant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy plant A poison ivy plant typically has three leaflets branching off a single stem.
Poison ivy plant with berries Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy plant with berries Poison ivy leaves vary greatly in their shape, color and texture. Poison sumac plant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison sumac plant The poison sumac plant has smooth-edged leaves and can grow as a bush or tree. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Contact dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; Kermott CA, et al. Poison ivy rash.
Time; Thompson DA. American Academy of Pediatrics; Poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis.
0コメント