Poison ivy is a humble-looking little green weed with three leaves, but its irritating oil creates an itchy and prickling rash on the skin if you brush up against it. While poison ivy is a relatively minor complaint for most people, it can become a more serious problem for individuals with specific allergies or who experience secondary complications. Make an appointment to see a dermatologist if any of the following symptoms occur.

Rash Lasting Longer Than a Month

It can take a week or two for a rash to even appear after you're exposed to the plant, so cases of poison ivy often stretch into two, three, or even four weeks of healing. However, rashes that remain long after a month have passed need attention from a doctor, preferably a specialist like a dermatologist. You may discover that you're dealing with a different skin problem altogether, or that you're continuing to expose yourself to new doses of the irritating oil that was deposited on a piece of furniture or a beloved pet's fur.

Swelling of Affected Limb or Area

When a person with a severe allergy or sensitivity to urushiol oil comes in contact with poison ivy, they can go into prophylactic shock and need a trip to the emergency room. Any kind of difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or swelling around the neck merits a visit to the ER. If you or a family member experiences swelling of just one part of the body where the rash is located, make an appointment with a dermatologist instead. This still indicates a serious reaction to the chemicals from the plant, but it's not a life-threatening emergency and can wait a day or two until you get in to see the doctor.

Large Areas of Body Affected

Poison ivy is only relatively benign when it's on isolated patches of skin. For example, a half-dollar sized rash on your shin or wrist will likely clear up right at home. When you're dealing with a rash that breaks out over most of your body or spreads onto your face, you need the help of a dermatologist to manage the symptoms. A widespread rash triggers your immune system enough to create secondary symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, and even dehydration. Definitely see a dermatologist immediately if the rash develops inside your mouth, on the eyelids, or on other sensitive mucous membranes around the body.

Return of Symptoms

Poison ivy should go away eventually and not return. If you keep finding the rash reappearing every few weeks when you know you're not coming in contact with fresh patches of the plant, you need to see a dermatologist to rule out other conditions that are easily confused for poison ivy. Using treatments for an allergic rash won't help if it's really eczema or an unusual bacterial infection.

Signs of Infection

Finally, see a doctor immediately if the rash area begins to turn bright red or oozes pus of any color aside from clear. It's normal for poison ivy rashes to ooze a little due to formation of blisters filled with clear liquid, but white, yellow, or green discharge is a sign of a secondary infection. Other signs of infection include a fever, sudden increases in itchiness or tenderness to the touch, and bleeding from cracks in the skin. Swelling is another sign that the infection is spreading. High fevers above 105 degrees F are an emergency for adults, so don't wait to see a dermatologist if the rash is causing very severe and sudden symptoms. A quick round of antibiotics could save your life.

To learn more about these symptoms or to seek proper medical attention, contact services like Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists of Moreno Valley.