Contact dermatitis is certainly one of the more common skin problems that dermatologists encounter.
Poison ivy is a common cause of contact dermatitis. Findings on the skin characteristically are linear vesicular (blistering) streaks of very itchy skin lesions occurring anywhere the skin was exposed to the plant. Once started, it can spread rapidly covering extensive surface areas. The sooner therapy is instituted, the quicker the response. Effective desensitization is not available currently. Treatment will not prevent the rash from recurring with re-exposure to the plant. The only preventative treatment is recognizing the “leaves of 3” and avoiding contact.