Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

Also called: Ivy poison, Rhus dermatitis, Toxicodendron dermatitis
If you spend time outdoors, chances are you have been bothered by poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac at some point. Most people are sensitive to the plants' oily sap. The sap is in the root, stems, leaves and fruit of these plants. If it gets on your skin, it causes a blistering skin rash. The rash can range from mild to severe, depending on how much sap gets on your skin and how sensitive you are to it. Problems can also happen if the plants are burned. Airborne sap-coated soot can get into the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system.
The best way to avoid the rash is to learn what the plants look like and stay away from them. If you come into contact with the plants, wash your skin and clothing right away. If you develop a rash, ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines. For severe rashes, see your doctor.
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Poison Ivy(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants(Food and Drug Administration)
Poisonous Plants(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
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Skin Rashes and Other Changes(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac(Nemours Foundation)
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Poison Ivy: Prevention and Treatment(InteliHealth) Return to top
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Plants to Avoid: Poison Ivy, Wild Parsnip, and Stinging Nettles, Wood Nettles(Dept. of Agriculture) - Links to PDF Return to top
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac(Logical Images) Return to top
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Article: OTC product: IvyStat! Dual action poison ivy exfoliant and treatment.
Article: Patient education series: poison ivy.
Article: Black-spot poison ivy.
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac -- see more articles Return to top
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Find a Dermatologist(American Academy of Dermatology) Return to top
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American Academy of Dermatology
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Also available in SpanishReturn to top
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Poison Ivy(Nemours Foundation) Return to top
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Date last updated: 07 April 2009 Topic last reviewed: 07 April 2009