Poison ivy

Poison ivy grows as a low shrub or on vines. Each leaf on a poison ivy plant has three smaller leaflets. Touching any part of the plant can cause red, swollen skin, blisters and severe itching. This skin reaction sometimes happens within just a few hours of coming into contact with poison ivy.

A poison ivy rash usually goes away within 1 to 2 weeks. While it's healing, soothe the irritated skin with a cream that eases itching, such as calamine lotion. Many of these creams are available without a prescription. Taking a bath with oatmeal or putting a cool, wet cloth on the skin also may help. Talk to your health care professional if you have a severe poison ivy rash or if the rash is on your face or genitals.

Poison oak and poison sumac cause a similar rash that can be treated in the same way as poison ivy.