The poison ivy plant contains an oil called urushiol. This oil
"bonds" to skin when it comes in contact with it. If you are
allergic to urushiol and you get it on your skin, you'll develop
an itchy, red rash. poison ivy rash will usually begin to appear
in one to two days. The affected area will get red and swollen.
A day or so later, small blisters will begin to form and the
rash will become very itchy. During this time, it's important to
try to keep from scratching the blisters. If you think that
you've come in contact with poison ivy, you need to wash the
area with plain cool water as soon as possible. This may help to
get some of the oil off your skin. Products that contain
solvents such as mineral oil (brand names: Technu, Zanfel) also
may help to remove urushiol from your skin. Because urushiol can
remain active for a long time, be sure to wash your clothes,
shoes, tools or anything else that may have touched the plant
(like camping, sporting, fishing or hunting gear). a rash starts
to develop, there ar