POISON IVY, OAK, OR SUMAC

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Poison Ivy Rash on Forearm

The oil contained in the plant leaves irritates the skin.
The redness and blistering from the rash is often arranged in streaks or lines, because the leaf brushes across the body in a line as an individual walks past.

Poison Ivy Rash on Wrist

Poison Oak Rash on Arm

This photograph shows an individual's arm with a blistering poison oak rash. Note the linear pattern to the lesions.
The Rhus genus of plants include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When the oil from such plants gets on the skin, it begins to penetrate in minutes. A blistering reaction appears, usually within 12 - 48 hours.

Poison Ivy Plant

Leaves in threes characterize poison ivy.
Toxicodendron radicans. This plant is common in the eastern United States

Poison Ivy Plant

Three leaves
Poison ivy grows as a small plant, as a bush, or as an vine.

Poison Ivy Plant - Fall

During the Fall, the leaves of the poison ivy turn red and then eventually yellow.

Main Symptoms

Localized red rash with small blisters following poison ivy, oak or sumac exposure
Rash is very itchy
Located on exposed body surfaces (such as the hands) or areas touched by the hands (e.g. the face or genitals).

General Information

Poison Ivy, Poison Sumac, and Poison Oak are three plants that can cause an itchy red rash in sensitive individuals. The oil contained in the plant leaves irritates the skin. The redness and blistering from the rash is often arranged in streaks or lines, because the leaves brush across the body in a line as an individual walks past.
Onset: Following a first-time exposure, the onset time for the rash is 1 to 2 weeks. For recurrences, the onset is 8 to 48 hours after the individual was in a forest or field.

Preventing the Rash!

Avoid Exposure: Avoid exposure to these plants, especially if you have had a bad reaction in the past.
Wash skin: If you are exposed, remove the irritating plant oil from your skin as soon as possible. Wash the exposed part of your body with soap and water within 30 minutes. Wash your clothes in warm soapy water.
IvyBlock: Is an over the counter cream. You put it on your skin before walking in the woods. It coats the skin and acts as a barrier to the irritating oil of the poison ivy/oak/sumac plants and prevents the rash from occurring. See http://www.ivyblock.com.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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