Poison ivy is a very common plant across all of North America. It grows in all sorts of places and can be difficult to identify among thick vegetation. However, coming into contact with a poison ivy plant can be dangerous because most people are allergic to the oils that the plant produces. Keep reading to learn more about what happens when you accidentally touch poison ivy.
If you think you came into contact with a poison ivy plant or have a skin rash that aligns with the symptoms of poison ivy, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to help. Our team of dedicated medical providers is trained to quickly diagnose and provide relief for poison ivy rashes. Simply walk into the clinic, we accept walk-in patients and are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm!
Is Poison Ivy Dangerous?
Poison ivy is an incredibly common plant across most of the United States. It grows low to the ground and can be in all sorts of different climates including near waterways, in heavily wooded areas and in grassy fields. It can be identified by looking for it’s unique leaf structure. Poison ivy has 3 green leaves per plant. If you’re not sure whether something is poison ivy, follow this saying ‘leaves of three, let it be’.
Most people are allergic to the oils secreted by poison ivy leaves. Although allergies can vary from person to person, it is very unlikely that poison ivy will lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction. Instead, poison ivy secretes an oil that causes a mild to moderate skin reaction for most people.
What Happens When You Touch Poison Ivy
Although poison ivy is unlikely to cause a severe reaction for most people, it can still cause some unpleasant reactions. It is important to actively avoid touching poison ivy to reduce your risk of suffering from a poison ivy rash.
When your skin comes into contact with poison ivy leaves, the poison ivy leaves a thin layer of invisible oil on your skin. This oil is what irritates your skin and leads to a rash. Poison ivy rashes typically appear anywhere between a few hours to 3 days after exposure. The rashes can be incredibly uncomfortable and cause painful blistering. The rash can last over 2 weeks and sometimes can become infected if you itch them so it is important to leave the rash alone.
Do Poison Ivy Rashes Always Itch?
Poison ivy reactions are known for being incredibly itchy. This is because the rash is caused by an allergic reaction, which triggers an immune response in your body. This immune response attacks the skin cells affected by the oil which can cause intense itching and swelling. If you are allergic to poison ivy and develop a rash, you will almost always experience itching. There are rare cases where some people are not allergic to poison ivy, resulting in no reaction when the plant touches their skin.
The best way to prevent a poison ivy rash is to avoid touching the plant. Wear long pants and long sleeves when trekking in areas that are likely to have poison ivy to prevent the plant from directly touching your skin. The oil can also be transferred from clothing to your skin, so it is important to wash your clothing and your body after being in areas where poison ivy grows.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for Same-Day Poison Ivy Rash Relief in Waltham, MA
If you’re experiencing a skin rash that is itchy and you’re concerned that it could be caused by poison ivy exposure, walk into AFC Urgent Care Waltham. Poison ivy rashes can be incredibly uncomfortable and our medical providers can help diagnose and provide relief for poison ivy rashes. Our clinic maintains short wait times and is open 7 days a week with extended business hours. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients without insurance. We never require that you schedule an appointment to receive prompt care. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you.
