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Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis (also called Toxicodendron dermatitis or Rhus dermatitis) is a type of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the oil urushiol found in various plants, most notably sumac family species of the genus Toxicodendron: poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and the Chinese lacquer tree. [1]
Treating a poison ivy rash usually involves prescription-strength topical or even oral steroids that will usually clear the rash in about seven to 10 days, explains Dr. Lal.
If poison ivy is eaten, the mucus lining of the mouth and digestive tract can be damaged. [12] Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin.
Contact dermatitis is when a dry, red, scaly rash that can also look like fluid-filled blisters or poison ivy appears from coming in contact with an irritant or allergen, says Dr. Parikh.
Urushiol / ʊ ˈ r uː ʃ i. ɒ l / is an oily mixture of organic compounds with allergenic properties found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, especially Toxicodendron spp. (e.g., poison oak, Chinese lacquer tree, poison ivy, poison sumac), Comocladia spp. (maidenplums), Metopium spp.
Any skin rash can be mistaken for poison ivy. "The telltale signs of poison ivy are the linear streaks that form on the arms and legs that develop into blisters," Dr. Jamehdor says. "This has to ...