WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SKIN COMES IN CONTACT WITH POISON IVY?
An oil resin, called urushiol (u-ru-she-ol), found in the plant’s sap, causes the reaction. The response is usually not immediate and can occur 24 to 48 hours after contact has been made. First, the skin becomes red followed by the development of bumps and blisters. Itching and swelling also may be present. After several days, the blisters break, releasing watery liquid. The blisters then begin to heal. Neither the liquid from the blister nor scratching the area will spread the rash. WHO IS AFFECTED At least seven of every 10 persons could develop dermatitis if exposed to large amounts of poison ivy, oak or sumac. If contact is made through an accidental brief incident, five out of 10 persons would experience a reaction. Adults are affected more often than very young children. Heredity has not yet been shown to play a role in predicting which family members are more likely to suffer reactions than others. TREATMENT Clean skin and clothing with soap and water to remove the urushiol resi
