you are correct about it appearing to spread based on your original exposure. you may have been exposed by the oils on your clothing or shoes that you touched later or by some of the tools you used to cut it down. the oleoresin is so stable that it can last on objects for years so you better carefully wash any clothing or objects that may have become contaminated. if you have a dog and dog came in contact with poison ivy the oil can be on the fur so wash the dog too. in my opinion there is no such thing as a mild case of poison ivy so i tend to treat them more aggressively (based on my own childhood experience of the misery it causes). prescription prednisone topical steroids and oral antihistamines is the treatment of choice so it is time to consult a medical provider.
how to get rid of the poison ivy rashes? . although i thought i was being careful when cutting down some poison ivy in by backyard i now have it. itching is under control but can anyone help on getting rid of the rashes or do i just wait it out? got it 5 days ago. it is also spreading to my surprise. i read that it would only spread from the original toxic oils from the plant not after exposure. i'm not even very itchy but every day have a new patch of rashes.