Poison Ivy

Contact dermatitis is an extremely itchy rash which appears on the skin and is caused by an allergic reaction when an individual comes in direct contact with an allergen. This reaction can be mild to severe depending on the individuals level of sensitivity to the allergen.

There are many substances which can cause this allergic reaction which include perfumes, body washes, laundry detergents, jewelry, and plants. In this medical guide you will learn about the most common plants in North America which can cause contact dermatitis.

Poison ivy is one of the most well known plants which cause this allergic reaction in the majority of people who come in contact with it. The substance in poison ivy which causes contact dermatitis is called “urushiol”.

Urushiol is an organic resin or oil like substance that is found in many plants and when it comes in direct contact with the skin causes an allergic reaction in the form of a rash which can blister and ooze causing great discomfort as it is very itchy.

This reaction varies in degrees of severity depending upon the individual's sensitivity to this allergen and it is estimated that three out of four people will have some type of reaction when coming into contact with this substance.

Two other plants in North America which are most commonly known to cause contact dermatitis in people which are sensitive to urushiol are poison oak and poison sumac. Contact dermatitis in the majority of individuals is not severe or life threatening and typically lasts five to twelve days.

Treatment for contact dermatitis is generally with over the counter medications primarily to control the itching such as antihistamines. In severe cases such as when the rash is on the facial area and causes swelling around the eyes, a steroid may be prescribed for much faster relief.