Why Do I Get an Itchy Rash from Poison Ivy & How Do I Recognize Poison Ivy and It's Relatives to Avoid Them

If you learn to recognize poison ivy and it's relatives you may then be able to avoid an allergic reaction such as the one in the photo. Although all people are not allergic to poison ivy and it's relatives.

The substance in poison ivy that causes the rash is called urushiol. When the urushiol comes into contact with the skin, an itchy rash will develop in those individuals who are sensitive to this substance.

The urushiol in poison ivy can be transferred to the skin in more ways than brushing against the plant. Walking through the poison ivy can transfer the urushiol to your clothing or shoes. When you touch these objects the urushiol will stick to the fingers and then should you rub your face, scratch your arm...there you go, an irritating itchy poison ivy rash.

Your pet can even transfer the urushiol from poison ivy or it's relatives to your skin if they get it on their fur and you pet them!

The following information will help you to identify poison ivy and it's relatives so that you may avoid this very common itchy allergic reaction.

Poison ivy will grow as a bush, plant or vine which will climb the side of a tree. There are three leaves per stem on poison ivy and these leaves vary in shape and color. Green in the spring and summer, then turning orange or red in the fall. The poison ivy plant may have small light green blooms which will later produce small clusters of white berries.

Poison oak, a relative of poison ivy, grows as either a short plant or bush. The leaves resemble those of an oak tree. Each stem has typically three leaves. As with poison ivy, the leaves of poison oak will vary in color, green in the spring and yellow to red in the fall.

Poison sumac, a relative of poison ivy, grows as either a small bush or tree. There are two rows of leaves on each stem and one leaf at the tip, usually totaling 7-13 leaves per stem. The leaves of poison sumac have smooth edges.

Tips about poison ivy and it's relatives.

* There is an old saying to help identify poison ivy and it's relatives. "Leaves of three, let them be."
* 90% of all people are allergic to poison ivy and it's relatives. The more you are exposed to the urushiol in the poison ivy, the more likely an allergic rash will develop.
* You will not spread the poison ivy rash by scratching open a blister and and then scratching another part of the body.

Warnings about poison ivy and it's relatives.

* The urushiol in poison ivy and it's relatives will stay active on anything that it comes into contact with, for 5 years!
* The urushiol in poison ivy and it's relatives can become airborne, if you burn the plants, run over them with a lawn mower, tractor or weed eater. Thus allowing large areas of the body to come into contact with the substance which causes the itchy rash!

Sources:
http://commons.wikimedia.org
http://poisonivy.aesir.com
http://www.mayoclinic.com/