Poison Ivy

The poison ivy plant contains oil called "urushiol." When your skin comes in contact with this, it "bonds" to your skin and can cause irritation. Poison ivy can be contracted by:

• Touching the poison ivy plant
• Touching clothing, objects, or pets that have come in contact with the plant
• Smoke from a burning poison ivy plant

Symptoms

• Within 1 to 2 days, a rash appears.
• Within 2 to 3 days, small blisters begin to form, usually causing the area to itch. Be cautious; bacteria under your nails can get into the blisters, causing infection.

See a doctor if:

• You experience a fever over 100 degrees
• The rash covers a large area of your body
• The rash is near your mouth, eyes or genital area
• Pus is coming from the blisters
• After a few days, the rash does not get better

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