It can look pretty, it can be colorful,
and it can be horrible.
Poison Ivy is a plant that is becoming more prevalent in the woodlands of North America. It can be a low growing trailing vine or disguise itself as a climbing vine or a shrub. It is the sap within the plant that causes the rash in more than seventy percent of the people who touch it. Even those who do not develop a reaction the first time will do so after repeated exposure. These reactions can become more severe over time and even lead to anaphylaxis.
The urushiol within the sap binds to the skin where the itching and redness develop into a rash with oozing blisters that usually lasts from 1 - 4 weeks. The rash only spreads because other areas had been contaminated by the oils; it does not spread by touching the fluids oozing from the blisters.
Objects exposed to the oils should be washed carefully. The oils that may be on objects can last for years. Burning of the plant (even of dead branches) can cause airway injury when airborne particles are inhaled. If ingested it can damage the digestive system and kidneys.
It is interesting that people who are sensitive to poison ivy can also react to mangoes which are in the same plant family.
So... if you have been exposed to poison ivy rinse the area with lots of cold water. Warm water will open up the pores on the skin and increase the effect. Once the rash has developed hot showers can ease the itch for a short time.
adapted from wikepedia
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