Poison ivy is a common plant that can cause an itchy, painful rash. The rash is caused by a chemical in the plant called urushiol. Urushiol is found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. It can be spread to the skin through direct contact with the plant or through contact with something that has touched the plant, such as clothing or tools.
There are a number of things you can do to avoid poison ivy. First, learn to identify the plant. Poison ivy has three leaves that are arranged in a triangular shape. The leaves are usually green, but they can also be red or yellow. The plant also has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. Poison ivy is often found in wooded areas, fields, and along roadsides.