Going outdoors in the summer often means a better chance of coming into contact with some of the worst that Mother Nature can throw at you. From bees to storms, going outdoors in the summer often means avoiding a good deal many things. However, poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that can often strike unnoticed and throw your day or vacation down the drain. Here are some common poison ivy symptoms that also apply to coming into contact with poison oak or poison sumac.

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Perhaps the most invasive symptom of poison ivy is the itchiness that results from coming into contact with the plant. All of poison ivy’s symptoms come from the oil, called urushiol, which is secreted by poison ivy. This oil is a protective barrier that protects the plant from being consumed by most animal species. Urushiol induces an allergic reaction in humans, causing the itchiness, through skin contact. Often this itchiness can be mild and is able to be treated with over the counter products. However, depending on the level of contact and the person afflicted, this itchiness can be extreme and highly intrusive and has been described as unbearable.

Rash

Often the first sign of coming into contact with poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak, a rash will develop at the point of contact within several hours. This poison ivy symptom can start simply enough with a small dot or circle of redness that will begin to spread across the body. Poison ivy rash is caused by urushiol oil soaking into the skin via the skin’s pores. As the oil enters the body, an allergic reaction is triggered, causing the redness of the rash. While the rash may be localized and strictly contained to where the oil came into contact with the body, it is not uncommon for the poison ivy rash to spread and cover large sections of the body.

Hives

Another part of the allergic reaction, hives due to poison ivy may spread all over the body and may be separate from the rash. Very often, this poison ivy symptom will be more visible and widespread than rash. These elevated pieces of skin may also be prone to bleeding from itching that is associated with poison ivy.

Blisters

A more extreme skin irritation that often occurs a day or two after contact, blisters will begin to form directly where the urushiol came into contact with the skin. Part of the allergic reaction to the poison ivy plant oil, these blisters often fill up with fluid and can rupture, causing the fluid to run, if itched enough.

Poison ivy symptoms will generally last between one to three weeks but may linger for upwards of a month or more depending on the person and the level of contact. Poison ivy is not contagious and spreading the reaction is not possible by touching the rash, hives or blisters. Treatment options are available for people affected by poison ivy that can help alleviate some of the redness and itch that occurs from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac contact.