Hi Koren -
Toxicodendron diversilobum (western poison oak) does grow as a vine . It is primarily found in the westernmost states of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison ivy) is the most widespread of these plants and is found in Arizona and grows as a vine. Both plants have urushiol oil as a secondary compound found in resin canals in the plant. Both plants have similar characteristics and are often mistaken for the other.
So from all that - you likely came across poison ivy. I understand from my reading that poison ivy does not grow above 4,000 feet. I would be interested to know how high up you were.
As for the rash, it can come on quite quickly and the literature states 8 to 36 hours from contact to rash for normal cases. I tend to break out in about 6 to 8 hours and I'm sure there are others on this board who break out sooner or take longer. The rash is an allergic reaction and varies from person to person. There is no difference though in the dermatitis from poison ivy or poison oak. It all matters on how much urushiol oil has bonded on the skin and where (thickness of skin matters). Also rash breakouts can vary from time to time and season to season. Your boyfriend may find that next time his reaction may be less (or more). |
