The Chemistry Of Poison Ivy (Video) (IMAGE) American Chemical Society Caption Leaves of three, let them be, right? But what happens when you get covered in poison ivy and can't stop scratching? Jennifer Novotney, winner of the 2014 Chemistry Champions science communications competition, breaks down what it is about that dreaded vine that makes us so itchy. Reactions also offers up a remedy for the poison ivy's itch using the power of chemistry. Credit The American Chemical Society Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.