Why is poison ivy so irritating?

It may look harmless enough but poison ivy is a toxic shrub that grows in most areas of North America

Poison ivy is a plant with leaves that divide into three leaflets and often displays yellow or white berries or small white flowers. The glossy leaves, roots and stem of the plant contain an oily, organic toxin called urushiol, to which nine out of ten people are allergic. If they come into contact with this chemical their bodies overreact, causing a skin irritation known as urushiolinduced contact dermatitis. Thinking it’s under attack, the body tells the immune system to take action against the foreign urushiol substance. The resulting allergic (anaphylactic) reaction produces irritation in the form of redness, rashes and itchy skin.…

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