Approximately 85% of people will get intensely itchy, blistering rashes after coming into direct contact with a plant oil found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This oil is called urushiol. It is possible to get a rash through:
- Touching the leaves, stems, roots, or berries belonging to the poisonous plants
- Touching any items such as clothes that have come into contact with the plants
- Touching animals such as pets that have come into contact with the plants
People generally do not get an allergic reaction when coming into contact with the plant’s oil the first time. Instead, they will get a reaction the next time they encounter the plant’s oil again. This because it takes time for the body’s immune system to recognize the plant’s oil as foreign.
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