What makes poison ivy dangerous?

Poison Plants

American native plants include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. In most cases, those who are exposed to these plants experience an allergic reaction. To become allergic to poison ivy, you must come into contact with the plant just once to cause urushiol sensitization or irritation. After exposure, a reaction might appear 24–72 hours later. By touching the blisters or from the fluid inside the blisters, the reaction from poison ivy cannot be transferred from one person to another. However, if plant oils are left on the skin, clothing, or shoes, it may spread.


Urushiol

An oily component contained in the plant's resin is called Urushiol. It is simple for plants to transfer Urushiol to other objects. Animals and tools are among them. For up to a year, this molecule can remain viable or functional. It is crucial to understand that urushiol can spread through clothing, pets, or smoke from burning plants.

Treatment

Once the rash appears, there is no treatment for the reaction, although we recommend dish soap(dawn dish soap works the best!). The best cure is to stay away from the plants. It is crucial to become familiar with the appearance of the plants and to avoid coming into contact them. Remove the oils from your skin if you have previously come into contact with the plants.


Symptoms

Symptoms include bumps and itchy blisters. Swelling can occasionally occur where there has been contact.