Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac

What Are Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac?

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that contain urushiol, a toxic oil that triggers an allergic reaction in most people. If you touch these plants, the oil can transfer to your skin, clothing and even pets, leading to an itchy rash.

• Poison Ivy: Grows as a vine or shrub with three pointed leaflets. Found in forests, fields and roadsides.  
• Poison Oak: Similar to poison ivy but has leaves shaped like oak leaves. Grows in bushes or vines.
• Poison Sumac: A tall shrub or small tree with smooth-edged leaflets arranged in pairs. Grows in swampy areas.

Causes:

How Do You Get a Poison Ivy Rash?  

The rash develops when urushiol oil touches the skin and causes an allergic reaction. The rash can spread if the oil is not washed off quickly, but it cannot be passed from person to person. Common ways to come into contact include:

• Directly touching the plant
• Handling contaminated clothing, tools or pets
• Burning the plant and inhaling the smoke
  
  

Symptoms:

Symptoms of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. They include:

• Red, itchy rash
• Swelling and inflammation
• Blisters that may ooze and crust over
• Severe itching

How to Treat Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

While the rash is not contagious, the oil can spread. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing infection.

At-Home Remedies:

• Wash your skin immediately with soap and cool water to remove the oil.
• Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.
• Take antihistamines (like Benadryl) to relieve allergic reactions.
• Apply cool compresses to soothe the skin.
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
  
  

When to See a Health Care Provider:

• If the rash is severe or widespread
• If you have swelling around your eyes, face or genitals
• If blisters are oozing pus (a sign of infection)
• If you have difficulty breathing (this can happen if you inhale urushiol from burning plants)

How to Prevent Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

• Learn to identify these plants and avoid touching them.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves when in wooded areas.
• Wash clothing and pets after outdoor activities.
• Use barrier creams that block urushiol.
• Never burn these plants as inhaling the smoke can cause serious lung irritation.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can cause uncomfortable rashes, but they are preventable. Knowing how to identify, treat and avoid these plants can help you stay rash-free. If you develop a severe reaction, seek medical attention right away.

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