From the Guidelines
A poison ivy rash can be described as a red, itchy, and inflamed skin reaction characterized by redness, papules, and vesicles, typically starting within days of exposure and lasting up to 3 weeks, as noted in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. The rash often presents with intense itching, and its severity is proportional to the area and duration of exposure to the urushiol oil found in Toxicodendron species, including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Key features of the rash include:
- Redness and inflammation of the affected skin
- Presence of papules and vesicles, which are small, fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and crust over
- Intense itching sensation in the affected area
- Potential for swelling in the affected area The rash typically develops within days of exposure, with the exact timing dependent on individual sensitivity and the amount of urushiol exposure. It is essential to note that the rash is not contagious, but the urushiol oil can spread to other parts of the body or to other people if not properly washed off, as highlighted in the guidelines 1.