Poison Ivy Directory
Poison ivy is a type of plant that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis when it touches your skin. The red, uncomfortable, and itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and is marked by fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or large raised areas (hives). The poison ivy plant contains a type of oil, called urushiol, that can trigger an allergic reaction when it comes in to direct or indirect contact with the skin. So even if you don't directly touch the plant, you can still be exposed if you touch something that has the oil on it, such as a pet's fur or gardening tools. Not everyone who touches the oil will develop poison ivy. You must be sensitized to the oil in order to be affected. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage of poison ivy, including what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Preventing Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac
Learn how to avoid poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac -- and what to do once you've been exposed.
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Skin Allergies: What Are They?
Allergic contact dermatitis is an overreaction to something that touches your skin. The result is a red, itchy rash at that spot.
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How To Treat Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Find out what kinds creams or home remedies can help ease the itchy rash of poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
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Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
WebMD provides information on allergies to poison plants -- poison ivy, oak, and sumac -- and how they're treated.
Features
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How to Avoid Summer's Health Woes
Experts explain strategies for preventing 6 common maladies from ruining your summer fun.
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Climate Change Brings Super Poison Ivy
Researchers say climate change may increase your chances of getting a really bad case of poison ivy.
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Summer Bummer: Skin Suffers
Infections, Insects, Sun, Pool Water -- They All Wreak Havoc on Skin
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Anatomy of an Itch
WebMD explains what happens to your skin when you develop an itch.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Guide to Poisonous Plants
If you’ve ever had poison ivy, you know the power of poisonous plants. Learn which plants to watch for and what to do if they make you sick.
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Picture of Poison Ivy Exposure
Allergic contact dermatitis. Linear arrangement of vesicles on the wrist and bulla on the foot of a child exposed to poison ivy.
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Picture of Rash from Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting in an itchy rash, which can appear within hours of exposure or up to several days later.
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Slideshow: Summer Skin Hazards -- Stings, Bites, Burns, and More
Don’t let spider bites, sunburn, poison ivy, chigger bites, and jellyfish stings sabotage your healthy skin. This slideshow illustrates what to watch for -- so you can stay safe this summer.