Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a poisonous North American plant that is well-known for causing an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it, due to urushiol, a clear liquid compound in the plant's sap. The plant is a member of the family Anacardiaceae.

Description

Poison ivy can be found growing in any of the following three forms:

• a trailing vine that is 10–25 cm tall
• as a shrub up to 1.2 m tall
• as a climbing vine that grows on trees or some other support

Distribution and habitat

Poison ivy grows throughout much of North America, including the Canadian Maritime provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and all U.S. states east of the Rockies, as well as in the mountainous areas of Mexico up to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft) (caquistle or caxuistle is the Nahuatl term), and is normally found in wooded areas, especially along edge areas.

Toxicodendron dermatitis

Toxicodendron dermatitis is an allergic reaction that can occur from skin contact with poison ivy. This reaction results from a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to urushiol, the oily sap found in poison ivy.

Treatment

The rash caused by poison ivy can be treated with calamine lotion or other over-the-counter treatments. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids.

Prevention

Avoiding contact with the plant is the best prevention. If contact is made, washing the area with soap and water can remove the urushiol and prevent a reaction.

See also

• Toxicodendron
• Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis
• List of poisonous plants

Poison Ivy Resources
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