WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Poison ivy sap is present in nearly every part of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. The sap contains an oil called urushiol, which is a pale yellow, sticky, oily substance that is also present in poison oak and poison sumac.

WHAT’S THE DANGER?

Poison ivy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol). This oily resin is in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The rash usually appears within 3 days of the exposure to the oil, but the time frame can vary significantly. The […]