How long does poison ivy last

Poison ivy plant with berries Poison ivy leaves vary greatly in their shape, color and texture. Poison sumac plant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Poison sumac plant The poison sumac plant has smooth-edged leaves and can grow as a bush or tree. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Contact dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; Kermott CA, et al. Poison ivy rash. Time; Thompson DA. American Academy of Pediatrics; Poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis.

Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 10, Prok L, et al. Poison ivy Toxicodendron dermatitis. Gibson LE expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. News from Mayo Clinic Itchy, irritating poison ivy rash June 29, , p. Poison ivy is a type of toxic plant. It is very common in most parts of the United States. Poison ivy often grows low to the ground, resembling a weed or shrub.

It also can grow taller as a vine, along plants, trees, or poles. Both forms have stems with 3 leaves. The leaves change color with the seasons. They may produce whitish flowers or berries. The main symptom of poison ivy is a rash.

This is otherwise known as contact dermatitis. The rash can be mild or severe. It may appear right away or 1 to 2 days after contact. It is marked by redness and swelling. Small blisters may form and become itchy or painful. Try not to scratch the blisters. Bacteria from under your fingernails can get into the blisters and cause an infection. Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol. Most people are allergic to it. This oil sticks to your skin when you come into contact with it.

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For more information, visit our medical review board. A poison ivy rash will last at least a week and likely more if you've never been exposed before. If you come into contact with poison ivy, the rash will typically appear within hours. In order to reduce the severity of your rash, wash the site of contact immediately after exposure.

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Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. How to identify the plant and treat the rash. Additional comments. The rash, blisters, and itch normally disappear in several weeks without any treatment. Enter your email address to subscribe:.