How do I recognize Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

More than half of people in the United States are sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. If a person is sensitive, he or she can develop an itchy blistering by coming into contact with these plants.

• Whether you work or just enjoy the outdoors, look out for these plants and note the differences between each and what each looks like:
  • Usually found east of the Rocky Mountains, poison ivy grows as vines or shrubs. The leaves can have smooth or notched edges and are often clustered in groups of three.
  • Poison oak is more commonly found west of the Rockies, usually as a small shrub but sometimes as a creeper. The leaves are smooth-edged and cluster in groups of three, five or seven.
  • Poison sumac is most often found in wet areas of the Southeast. The leaves are generally smooth and oval in shape, with seven to 13 growing on each stem.
  • The appearance of each of these plants can vary significantly from region to region and with the seasons. Even dead plants in undergrowth can put the toxic oil on the skin. Identifying these plants can help avoid them.

Why does exposure to poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac cause a rash?

The rash caused by poison ivy, oak, and sumac is an allergic skin reaction to an oil called urushiol that’s in the plant. This oil can be found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, roots and berries.

Exposure to the oil is done through one of the following:

• • Touch some of the plants
  • Touching clothes or other objects that have made contact with the plants
  • Touching pets or other animals that have had contact with the plants
  • Exposure to the smoke from burning plants

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash itself is not contagious. However, if oil remains on the skin or on clothing that has come into contact with the plants and the oil continues to come into contact with the skin, it can lead to a rash. The rash may “spread” because it may develop over several days, or the oil may not have been completely removed from all surfaces.

Risk factors for developing poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash include in areas where the plants grow, engage in outdoor activities, and come into contact with them.

What symptoms and signs accompany a poison ivy, oak and sumac rash?

• • Exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes an itchy rash that usually appears within 24-72 hours.
  • The rash usually starts as small red bumps and later develops blisters of different sizes. The rash can be crust or ooze. It can look like red, bumpy lines or stripes on the skin.
  • The rash can be found anywhere on the body that has made contact with the oil from the plant. It can have any shape or pattern but is often in straight lines or stripes across the skin.
  • Different skin areas can break out at different times, making it appear that the rash is spreading.
  • Contrary to popular belief, leakage of blister fluid does not spread the rash. It is spread only by additional exposure to the oil, which often lingers on hands, clothes, and shoes (often overlooked as carriers) or tools.
  • The rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac generally lasts about two to three weeks.
  • While poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash can be persistent, these rashes are not recurring. The rash does not slumber and then reappears in the same place. If you have a poison sap, oak, or sumac attack that appears to be returning, you are more likely to have encountered the plant again, or oil from the plants may not be completely removed from all clothing or surfaces. You can also have a bacterial or fungal infection in the same place that requires treatment.

When should someone seek medical care for a poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac Rash?

Consult a healthcare provider for the following conditions:

• • Large areas of rash cause significant discomfort
  • A rash on the mouth, genitals or around the eyes
  • A portion of the rash that becomes infected or pulls out pus
  • A lot of swelling

People who are very sensitive to these plants can experience a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

• • If a person has swelling of the face and throat, or has difficulty breathing, feels dizzy or weak, or loses consciousness, he or she may have an anaphylactic reaction.
  • If anyone has any of these symptoms, go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately.
  • Don’t try to drive; call 911 for emergency medical help.
  • While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, start taking self-care measures.

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What types of specialists treat poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac?

Most people are likely to see their primary care provider (PCP), such as a primary care physician, internist, or pediatrician, for diagnosing and treating poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

If you have a severe rash, you may come across a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you can see an emergency specialist in a hospital ward.

What tests do doctors use to diagnose ivy, oak and sumac poisons?

A healthcare professional can usually diagnose poison ivy, oak, or sumac only from the result. He or she will ask some questions about the patient’s reaction, symptoms and medical history.

No laboratory tests or X-rays are needed, except in unusual circumstances.

What Are Treatment Options for a Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash?

Usually home care is all that is required for a response to poison ivy, oak or sumac.

What are remedies for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash?

If someone is exposed to any of these plants or their oils, wash thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. An alternative is rubbing alcohol, which can dissolve and remove the oils from the skin. If the oil is removed within 10 minutes, the chance of a rash is much smaller.

Symptoms of a mild rash can sometimes be relieved by the following home remedies:

• • Cool compresses with water or milk can help relieve the itching.
  • Calamine is a nonprescription lotion.
  • Aveeno oatmeal bath is a product that is put in the bath to relieve itching.
  • The Burow (Domeboro) solution can be applied as a compress to blisters to help relieve skin irritation.
  • Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can make someone too sleepy to drive a car or operate machinery safely.

Nonprescription corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) creams usually don’t help.

Do not use bleach to remove poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash. These areas are open wounds and bleach is an aggressive substance that can damage the skin and slow the healing process.

Do not attempt to treat serious (or anaphylactic, see above) reactions or wait at home. Go immediately to the nearest emergency department or preferably call 911 and take an ambulance. Here are some things to do while waiting for the ambulance:

• • Stay calm.
  • Avoid further exposure to the “poisonous” plant.
  • Take an antihistamine (one to two tablets or capsules of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)) if it is possible to swallow without difficulty.
  • If someone is wheezing or has trouble breathing, use an inhalation bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil) or epinephrine (Primatene Mist) if one is available. These inhaled drugs open (dilate) the airways.
  • If someone is feeling light-headed or faints, lie down and raise the legs higher than the head to let the blood flow to the brain.
  • If someone has been given an epinephrine kit (EpiPen) for a previous allergic reaction, inject the person or themselves as instructed. The kit provides a pre-measured dose of epinephrine, a prescription drug that quickly reverses the most severe symptoms (see Follow-up).
  • If at all possible, someone should be willing to tell medical personnel what medications the affected person is taking and his or her allergy history.