Not Medical Advice: Most rashes caused by poison ivy are mild and last from five to 12 days. In severe cases, the rash can last for 30 days or longer.
Symptoms of allergies to Poison Ivy include:
Redness and itching of the skin.
A rash erupts on the skin, often in a pattern of streaks or patches from where the plant has come into contact with the skin.
The rash develops into red bumps, called papules, or large, oozing blisters.
Poison Ivy is one of the of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in North America.
The degree of sensitivity to the chemical found in this plant varies, some people are very sensitive and will have a quick reaction upon contact with a small amount of urushiol. For those who are less sensitive, exposure to a large amount of urushiol is necessary before a reaction develops.
Cases of poison plant allergy occur most frequently during the spring, summer, and early fall when people spend more time outdoors.
An allergic reaction to a poison plant cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. You may take cool showers and apply an over-the-counter lotion, such as calamine lotion, to help relieve the itch. If the reaction is more severe or involves mucus membranes (membranes found in the eyes, nose, mouth), you may need a prescription drug, such as prednisone, to help control the reaction.
To learn more, visit WebMD.
Ease the itch of poison ivy allergies with tips from dermatologists at American Academy of Dermatology.