POISON IVY, OAK, SUMAC

General Information

DEFINITION--A type of contact dermatitis. The skin reaction (sometimes severe) results from contact with an oily substance (resin) produced by these three plants. This particular allergic reaction is the most common in the U.S. and about 50% of the population has developed an allergy to these plants.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Skin rash with the following characteristics:

• Bright red papules and plaques (See Glossary for both) that develop 24 to 48 hours (sometimes may take several days) after contact.
• Weeping, crusting and swelling.
• Intense itching and burning.
• The rash forms a linear pattern.
• Blistering (the fluid in blisters is not contagious).
• Enough of the oily resin remains on hands or clothing so that the rash is carried to other body parts, such as the face or genitalia.

CAUSES--Allergic reaction from contact with any part of poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac plants. They grow as vines or bushes and have three leaflets (poison ivy and poison oak) or a row of paired leaflets (poison sumac). They produce a potent resin (or oil) that is responsible for the problem. A reaction may also occur from touching contaminated clothing, equipment (hunting, golf or athletic) or animals such as pets; and from smoke these plants give off when burned (may affect the face, eyelids, throat and lungs).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Spring and summer (though plants are dangerous year round).
• Lack of protective clothing.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Learn to identify and avoid contact with these plants.
• When walking in areas where these plants grow, wear shoes, socks, long pants, long sleeved shirts and sometimes, gloves. Wash this clothing as soon thereafter as possible.
• If you are exposed, washing the skin immediately with soap and water and sponging with rubbing alcohol may prevent the rash.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (sometimes).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment for severe cases.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Development of a secondary bacteria infection.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Itching, redness and swelling are often improved by the second day, and complete healing occurs within 7-14 days.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Sweating and heat make the itching worse, so stay cool if possible.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected area (see Soaks in Appendix).
• A soothing bath helps. Use Aveeno (a commercial product) or baking soda (about a half cup) per bath.
• Wash all clothing and shoes and any equipment that came in contact with the plant oils with soap and water.
• Give pets a warm, soapy bath to remove any oil from the fur.

MEDICATION--

• You may use calamine lotion to relieve the itching; oral antihistamines may be helpful also.
• Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral corticosteroids for severe symptoms.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. Avoid activities that can cause sweating. This can worsen itching.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• If the rash seems severe.
• If swelling or pain develops around the eyes, nose or genitals.
• Rash worsens or doesn't improve with self-care methods.