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A member asked:
We were outdoors this weekend and my husband has bumps im wandering are poison ivy and bug bites look different?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Different: Allergy to the sap of certain plants ("poison ivy") causes itchy areas in lines and patterns. There are likely to be small blisters. The distribution reflects the areas of contact with the sap. It is not a poison, not an infection, not contagious. Insect bites will be more discreet, isolated sores on exposed skin. Prescription cortisone cream or gel is effective for both.
Answered 9/17/2017
3.8k views
Should be different: Most bug bites are symmetrical with an area of redness around the actual bite. Although there can be multiple bites most are individual. Poison ivy tends to be linear because it is the oil that causes the reaction. The poison ivy can be spread through itching etc whereas a bite will be contained at one site. Although sometimes hard to tell, if it spreads it's poison ivy.
Answered 9/26/2016
3.8k views
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