Ah, poison ivy. The bane of summer existence. You brushed against a suspicious plant, now you're wondering: how long does this torture last?
The good news is, the rash itself isn't contagious once the oil (urushiol) is gone. The bad news? Urushiol is sneaky and can linger on clothes, tools, and even pets!
Typically, a poison ivy rash lasts anywhere from **1 to 3 weeks**. The severity depends on how much urushiol you were exposed to and your sensitivity. Initial symptoms, like itching and redness, usually appear within 12 to 48 hours. Blisters follow, and they might ooze. Don't worry, the fluid isn't contagious!
The worst of the itching usually subsides after the first week. As the rash heals, the blisters will dry up and the skin will start to flake. If your rash is severe, covers a large area, or is near your eyes or mouth, see a doctor. They can prescribe stronger medications to help you find relief and shorten the duration of your suffering. Until then, calamine lotion and cool compresses are your best friends!
