Poison Ivy is a plant that grows in the wild. The tell-tale characteristic of poison ivy is its three leaves.  Poison Ivy produces a poisonous substance called urushiol. The poison ivy rash is caused by the oils or urushiol. However, some people are allergic to poison ivy.

For some people the allergic reation to poison ivy can be quite severe and may even be cause for the victim to be hospitalized. Poison ivy may cause their face and genital areas to swell. I remember when my son was about 5 years old. He had a really bad case of poison ivy. His little eyes were swollen shut. I rushed him to the medical clinic and sure enough, he had a severe reaction to poison ivy. For several years after that, my son would get a rash whether he was near poison ivy or not.

The best method to prevent an outbreak of poison ivy is to wear long sleeved shirts and full length jeans. Do not let the oils of the poison ivy plant come in contact with your skin. If you suspect that you had been in contact with poison ivy, wash your hands and face with warm water and soap.

Poison ivy is not contagious. The only way you can get poison ivy is to have had some contact with it.