What Are the Different Poison Ivy Symptoms?
Poison ivy is a common plant found throughout most of North America. It causes a severe allergic reaction to most who come in contact with it. Approximately 75 percent of the population is allergic to poison ivy in some degree. Poison ivy symptoms can vary from, as some people are more allergic to the plant than others. The most common symptom is contact dermatitis, a rash that usually shows up within 48 hours of contact. The rash may vary in severity. In some cases it may just be a red, itchy area of inflamed skin that causes mild discomfort, but other times the rash may break out into large bumps, hives or even blisters that leak. Poison ivy symptoms are caused by an oil called urushiol that coats the plant. The same oil is found in poison oak and sumac. Urushiol can even rub off of poison ivy and still maintain its poisonous attributes. It is possible to contract poison ivy from a pet, gardening tools or hiking gear that has rubbed up against the plant. Usually only areas of the bod