How to Detect Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a skin rash that can develop after you come in contact with the weedlike poison ivy plant. Most people are allergic to the oily resin produced by this plant. Brushing against the plant while walking through a woods, or touching a surface that has traces of this resin, can trigger an allergic reaction and uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms from poison ivy can mimic those of other allergic reactions. Pay attention to certain signs to determine whether poison ivy caused your rash.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for classic poison ivy symptoms, such as itchiness, redness, swelling and blistering.

• 2

  Check your skin to see if the rash forms a straight line. Depending on the way your skin came in contact with the plant, your rash might take the form of a straight line down your legs or arms.

• 3

  Pay attention to when the rash developed. If you notice a rash within two days of trekking through a park or other wooded area, you might have poison ivy. Reactions to the oily resin in poison ivy typically develop 24 to 28 hours after exposure.