A Poison ivy rash is an allergic reaction of the skin. The rash is not communicable. The allergy is caused by direct contact with an oily resin called urushiol. The oil is in the roots, stems and leaves of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.
Usually, the reaction develops 12 to 48 hours after contact with the resin. It might last for 2-3 weeks. The rash usually takes the shape of the area of contact. However, it is most commonly seen as a straight-line rash, as the plant brushes in a straight line on the skin.