Poison Ivy severity varies among people-- some lucky folks are immune to the effects, others have severe tissue damage from contact. Do some looking on the internet for photos... don't eat first. My son is one of the severely affected ones, he has had it on his feet to the point where skin sloughed off and the tissue damage didn't heal for eight weeks. That was including treatment by two dermatologists, with oral and topical steroids, plus other meds. NASTY STUFF. Avoidance is the key, recognition is mandatory.