Why poison ivy spreads

Both forms have stems with 3 leaves. The leaves change color with the seasons. They may produce whitish flowers or berries. The main symptom of poison ivy is a rash. This is otherwise known as contact dermatitis. The rash can be mild or severe.

It may appear right away or 1 to 2 days after contact. It is marked by redness and swelling. Small blisters may form and become itchy or painful. Try not to scratch the blisters. Bacteria from under your fingernails can get into the blisters and cause an infection. Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol.

Most people are allergic to it. This oil sticks to your skin when you come into contact with it. You can get the oil on your skin by:. A doctor can diagnose a poison ivy rash by reviewing your symptoms. You can prevent and avoid poison ivy most of the time. Look out for the plant any time you are outside.

The poison ivy rash is not contagious. But you can spread poison ivy to another person if they touch the oil on you or your clothing. Wash your skin right away if you come into contact with poison ivy or another toxic plant.

Its oil can bond to your skin within minutes. Use soap and cool water. This can help remove the oil or prevent the oil from spreading. Also wash as soon as possible any other items that came in contact with the plant oil — such as outdoor gear, garden tools, jewelry, shoes and even shoelaces.

Urushiol can remain potent for years. So if you put away a contaminated jacket without washing it and take it out a year later, the oil on the jacket may still cause a rash.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Poison ivy rash Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy rash Brushing against a poison ivy plant can cause a red, itchy rash. Poison ivy rash on arm Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy rash on arm Brushing against a poison ivy plant can cause bumps and blisters.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Poison ivy plant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison ivy plant A poison ivy plant typically has three leaflets branching off a single stem. Poison ivy plant with berries Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Poison ivy plant with berries Poison ivy leaves vary greatly in their shape, color and texture. Poison sumac plant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison sumac plant The poison sumac plant has smooth-edged leaves and can grow as a bush or tree. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Contact dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; Kermott CA, et al. Poison ivy rash. Time; Thompson DA. American Academy of Pediatrics; Poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Causes How it spreads Rash growth Prevention Takeaway Overview Poison ivy is a vine or shrub that has three glossy leaves and grows in much of the United States and Asia. What causes a poison ivy rash?

How does a poison ivy rash spread? Can a poison ivy rash spread across the body?