Poison Ivy

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are the most common allergies in the country. Even if you have never had an allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak or sumac before, you can develop an allergy to these plants at any point in your life. The rash causing oil of these plants, urushiol, can be spread by many things such as shoes, clothes, garden utensils, fur of animals, and even the smoke of a burning poison ivy, oak or sumac plant. Because it is so easy to come in contact with these plants the painful itching rash that they cause is very common.

Facts About Poison Ivy

Poison ivy grows vigorously throughout much of North America. It can grow as a shrub up to about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall, as a groundcover 10-25 cm (4-10 in) high, or as a climbing vine on various supports. Older vines on substantial supports send out lateral branches that may at first be mistaken for tree limbs.

Poison ivy is apparently far more common now than when the Europeans first entered North America because it has profited immensely from the "edge effect", enabling it to form lush colonies in such places.

The reaction caused by poison ivy, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, is an allergic reaction. For this reason some people claim to be "immune" to its "poisonous" effects. However, sensitivity can develop over time. For those who are affected by it, it causes a very irritating rash. If poison ivy is burned and the smoke then inhaled, this rash will appear on the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and possibly fatal respiratory difficulty. If poison ivy is eaten, the digestive tract and airways will be affected, in some cases causing death.

Dead poison ivy still has plenty of urushiol and will cause the same effect.

Is it Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac?

The reaction to poison ivy, oak and sumac can begin as early as an hour after contact or up to five days after contact. The rash usually starts with swelling and itching and then is followed by a red inflammation of pimples and blisters.

People that have come in contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac can develop swelling in the throat, dizziness, a burning feeling, weakness, and breathing problems. The reaction can vary in harshness from person to person and individuals can have varied reactions from year to year.

How Did I Come in Contact With Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac?

Poison ivy, oak and sumac can be spread very easily and it may be hard to determine how you came in contact with the plant. Of course touching the plant can cause you to contract the rash, but you can also contract it from touching your shoes or clothing if you had walked through the plant.

The oil from poison ivy, oak and sumac plants can even be transmitted through the smoke from burning these plants. And even though pets rarely contract the rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac, the oil from these plants can be transmitted from their fur.