(HealthDay News) -- Most people are allergic to poison ivy, a three-leafed plant found in most areas of the United States. It harbors an oil that bonds to any skin that the oil touches, causing a red, itchy rash.
The American Academy of Family Physicians says here's how you can contract a poison ivy rash:
- When your skin touches the poison ivy plant itself.
- When your skin touches any shoes or clothing that touched the plant.
- When your skin touches gardening tools that have touched the plant.
- When your hands touch the fur or skin of a pet that has touched poison ivy.
- When you're exposed to smoke from a burning poison ivy plant. The plant's oil is contained within the smoke.
