Poison ivy grows in the form of climbing vines and shrubs that trail on the ground and shrubbery. The vine clings to stone and climbs trees and poles. It grows abundantly along fences, paths, and roadways, and is often partly hidden by other foliage. The leaves always grow in clusters of three, one at the end of the stalk, and the other two opposite one another.

The plant is particularly potent in the spring and early summer when it is full of oily resinous sap. This forms an invisible film upon the skin on contact. Direct contact is not always necessary.

Some cases of poison ivy are caused by the handling of clothing or garden tools that have the poison ivy sap on them from months earlier. Dogs and cats may obtain the oil ( as they explore the outdoors) on their fur, which can then be transferred to you by petting them.

Some people will develop a rash if exposed to smoke from burning brush containing poison ivy.

After exposure, the symptoms of poison ivy may develop in a matter of hours up to one week (Different areas of the body may have had different amounts of exposure to the oils and therefore the development of a rash may take longer in some areas as opposed to those areas which were exposed to large amounts of the oils).

There is reddening, on whatever body parts that came into contact with the oil, with considerable itching. Small blisters form, which later become larger and eventually produce watery fluid. After the blisters break and drain, the skin then becomes crusty and dry. After approximately two weeks all symptoms are usually gone.

Being sensitive to poison ivy does tend to be genetic. If your parents or close relatives are sensitive, chances are that you will be sensitive, too. It is true that some people seem to be immune to poison ivy.

However, experts believe that some people must have multiple exposures before their body reacts with a rash. If you have never had poison ivy, chances are that you have not been exposed to the plant on multiple occasions.

Be careful and do not act as though you have some kind of natural protection from the plant … it may be that, eventually, you will develop a rash. There are some people that simply do not react to the oils and thus do not develop any rash.

According to the FDA, eruption of poison ivy can sometimes be avoided if the skin is cleansed immediately (within 10 minutes) after contact:

• First, cleanse exposed areas with rubbing alcohol.
• Next, wash the exposed areas with water only [don’t use soap yet, since soap can move the poison ivy oils (urushiol — that trigger the rash) around your body and actually make the reaction worse.
• Now, take a shower with soap and warm water.
• Lastly, put gloves on and wipe everything you had with you, including shoes, tools, and your clothes, with rubbing alcohol and water.

Treatment

Remember, Poison ivy isn’t contagious, so, touching the rash won’t spread it. Once the oils (urushiol) have been cleansed away, there is no way to spread the rash. It is only contact with the oils that cause the rash to develop and/or spread.

If you develop a poison ivy rash with blisters, keep the area clean by washing gently with soap and water. Watch for signs of infection which are swelling and redness, increased warmth, pus, pain. If you suspect infection, see a health care provider.

Self Care measures to help decrease the itchiness of the rash:

• Cool compresses or showers as needed to control itching
• Application of 1 percent hydrocortisone cream up to four times daily will help decrease itchiness and help to dry the rash
• Oral Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 to 50 mg. every four to six hours will help decrease itchiness but may also cause drowsiness. Do not use topical Benadryl creams — many report that this cream irritates the rash more than it helps.
• If the rash develops on large areas of your body or appears around the eyes or genital areas, see a health care provider. You may be prescribed oral steroids to prevent further outbreak of the rash and clear the existing rash at a faster rate.

Keep in mind, anything that increases body heat will increase the itchiness of the rash.