What Is, And What Causes, Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy, oak and sumac plants are the single most common cause of allergic skin reactions in the United States. They are caused by contact with urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol), which is found in the sap of the plants. It is a colorless or pale yellow oil that oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves. The oil is active year round.
Contact with urushiol can occur in three ways: direct, indirect and airborne particles. Direct contact is touching the sap of the toxic plant, while indirect contact involves touching something which has urushiol on it, such as the animal fur, clothes, boots, garden tools, sporting or camping gear or any items that have come in contact with the plant (including your hands). Airborne urushiol particles, such as burning plants or spray from a weed whacker, may also contact the skin or be inhaled, causing internal inflammation.
