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Poison ivy, or Toxicodendron radicans, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a woody wine found commonly in the North American continent. It produces urushiol, a skin irritant which causes an allergic dermatitis in most people. Thought 15 to 30% of people are not initially allergic to urushiol, continued exposure reduces their immunity over time and eventually they also suffer from the allergic reaction.
The allergic reaction occurs only when there is a contact with the urushiol oil secreted by the poison ivy plant, and not merely by being near the plant. However, contact with a dead plant does not mean you are safe, since the urushiol oil can stay active on the surface of the plant for up to five years. Similarly the oil can become airborne due to burning and forest fires or even due to trimming of the plants or use of a lawnmower, so avoid such environments.
Contact with the urushiol oil secreted by the poison ivy plant leads to a reddish inflammation of the skin and rash, leading to blistering. If severe, these blisters ooze a clear liquid, but this fluid does not spread the poison. If the oil is inhaled when the plant is burned and the oil becomes airborne, this rash occurs on the lining of the lungs leading to extreme pain and difficulty in breathing. If consumed orally, it can lead to damage of the digestive tract, airway, kidneys and other organs. If infected by this allergic reaction to poison ivy, consult a doctor for adequate treatment.
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