What a relief (not physically!!) to read that there are other cases of poison ivy recurrence. Last year (spring 08), I came in contact with the plant and had an extremely severe reaction, all over my face and neck, arms and torso. It wasn't the first time for me but most definitely the worst reaction. Oddly enough, this January my legs started to itch every once and a while, just about all over. I thought I had bed bugs or something of the sort.... I didn�t expect the itching to be associated with poison ivy as it was the dead of the winter and there were no visual signs of a rash. In March the itching intensified and I was itchy all over my body. Within a week, a collection of little blisters began to form on my hand and the rash then appeared on both hands and on my chest. The only difference with the rash I have now from past experiences is that it seems to be more evenly distributed around my body (except for a concentration on my hands)....almost as if it were more internal. If anyone has any information as to what may spur the reaction without coming in contact with the plant, I would greatly appreciate it. Is it due to a weak immune system, exposure to an ingredient similar to poison ivy, the change of seasons?
