Ivy Poison Ivy rash is an allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to the resin of the poison ivy plant. The plants grow as vines and attach to trees, telephone poles, other plants, along fences, rocks and paths.
Exposure is possible year round.
The fluid in the blisters will not spread the eruptions elsewhere on the body or to other people. A typical reaction will consist of itching, redness, and irregular groups of blisters. In more severe reactions swelling may also occur. With massive exposure, symptoms may appear in 6-12 hours. The extent of the dermatitis depends on the areas with which the plant has been in contact and the severity of the eruption depends on both the amount of resin deposited on the skin and the degree of allergic sensitivity of the person.