The rash due to poison ivy looks like red blotches or streaks.
There may also be clusters of tiny blisters.
The rash can be very itchy.
Ed Reschke / Getty Images
Medically, the rash is known as Rhus dermatitis.
This article provides pictures of a poison ivy rash to help you identify it.
Ed Reschke / Getty Images
What Do Poison Ivy and Its Relatives Look Like?
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
The three main types of plants that cause Rhus dermatitis vary in both their appearance and geographic location.
Poison Ivy Rash Pictures
Apoison ivy rashcommonly appears as red, itchy patches.
Symptoms may develop within four hours to four days after exposure to the plant.
Jena Ardell / Getty Images
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
These plants produce a resin calledurushiol, which causes a skin reaction in most people.
By contrast, the fluid from the blisters cannot spread the rash.
Darren415 / Getty Images
Many poison ivy products are available over the counter.
Poison ivy mostly occurs on exposed areas on the arms, legs, and face.
A poison ivy rash typically appears as red, itchy patches.
Skin swelling and blisters may also be present.
This bang out of rash usually resolves on its own within two to three weeks.
Symptoms can be treated using simple home remedies and OTC medications such as hydrocortisone cream.
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Prok L, McGovern T.Patient education: Poison ivy (Beyond the Basics).UpToDate.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What does the rash look like?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: When does the rash appear?
Watchmaker L, Reeder M, Atwater AR.Plant dermatitis: more than just poison ivy.Cutis.
2021;108(3):124-127. doi:10.12788/cutis.0340
Sugiura K, Sugiura M.Contact dermatitis resulting from ginkgo.Glob J Allergy.
2019;30(3):183-190. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000472
