What causes swelling from poison ivy?

Poison ivy is a common wild plant that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when you touch it or brush against it. Exposure to it may result in what doctors call contact dermatitis – a blistering rash that spreads over the skin in the area touched by the plant. read more

Poison ivy swelling may occur, and this will be normal, however if your face is affected and your eyes swell shut, the services of a doctor may be needed. It is an Allergic Reaction An allergic reaction comes about from a sensitivity to certain substances known as allergens. read more

Foreign substances can cause inflammation in 2 ways: irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) or allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis). With an allergic reaction such as poison ivy causes, even repeated exposure to the plant may not cause a rash at first. read more

This sensitizes the skin so that new contact with urushiol causes an allergic reaction. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can be found in most areas of the U.S., except Alaska, Hawaii, and the deserts of the Southwest. In some areas of the country (East, Midwest, and South), poison ivy grows as a vine. read more