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Poison ivy (and its cousins poison oak and poison sumac) contains an oily substance called urushiol. About 1/3 of people are allergic to urushiol. The leaves and branches of the poison ivy plant contain urushiol, and breaking the plant releases additional urushiol to the surface. Burning the poison ivy plant will release the urushiol into the air, possibly causing serious inflammation of the throat and lungs. Also, unlike some allergens, repeated exposure to urushiol can increase a person's sensitivity.
If you think you may have touched a poison ivy plant, as soon as possible you should wash the affected area with soap and cold water. Hot water will disperse the urushiol over a larger area, possibly making it much worse. You can buy specially formulated soaps like Tecnu that will bind to the urushiol, allowing it to be washed off harmlessly.
Also, note that dogs and cats and other animals will happily play in poison ivy without being affected, but they will get the urushiol on their fur. If you then touch the animal, you get urushiol on your hands, which you can then spread to other parts of your body or to other people.
What else can I help you with?
Can babies get poison ivy?
Anyone can get Poison Ivy if you are allergic to it.
What is the medical condition caused by poison ivy and poison oak?
Poison ivy and poison oak are plants that cause an allergic skin reaction in most people who are exposed to them.
Have you ever experienced an allergic reaction to poison ivy laundry detergent?
No, I have not experienced an allergic reaction to poison ivy laundry detergent.
Is poison ivy a parasite?
No, poison ivy is not a parasite. It is a plant that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people due to the oil it produces.
What percentage of people have an allergic reaction to poison ivy and poison oak?
About 85% of people are allergic to the oil found in poison ivy and poison oak that causes the rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. This oil, called urushiol, can cause varying degrees of reaction in those who come into contact with it.
Are snakes immune to poison ivy?
Yes the only animals to be allergic to poison ivy are humans.
What are the benefits of poison ivy?
Poison ivy is a plant that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in humans. There are no known benefits of poison ivy to humans.
Can someone not be allergic to poision ivy?
Yes, I know people who are unaffected by poison ivy. However, the toxins in poison ivy can build up in your system so that with repeated exposure those same people can develop reactions later in life.
Can black people get posion ivy?
Yes, black individuals can get poison ivy. Poison ivy rashes are a common allergic reaction to the plant's oils, and anyone, regardless of race, can develop a rash after coming into contact with poison ivy.
Are people immune to poison ivy, or can anyone develop a reaction to it?
Anyone can develop a reaction to poison ivy. There is no immunity to it, as the rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the plant's oil.
Can an iguana get poison ivy?
NO because the iguanas scales are rough and tough so they can not get poison ivy
Is poison ivy real poison?
Poison Ivy is not REAL Poison. Its a issue in the immune system that will make it react to you. If you have a serious case or allergic reactions you would need to seek medical attention.
