Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

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.

National Park Service

External Resources

Oral Ivy - Prevents and treats the symptoms of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center - Information on the causes, prevention, and treatment of the itching and painful rashes associated with contact of the oil called urushiol that is found in these plants. Includes numerous links to other information sources and websites on commercial products.

First Aid for Poison Ivy - Advice on avoiding and treating reactions from exposures to poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, which are the most common plants that cause a skin rash.

Go Ask Alice!: Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac - Advice on symptoms and treatment, including when to seek emergency medical care. From Columbia University Health Education Program.

Dr. Greene - Poison Ivy, Poison Oak or Poison Sumac - Advice in a question and answer format.

Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac - Consumer health resource center providing and overview of the key identifiers, symptoms, and treatments of three topical plant allergies. From eMedicine Health.

Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac Information Center - Pictures of various poisonous plants with pictures. Includes facts, remedies, treatment, question and answers, and FAQs.

Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Its Cousins - Article by Isadora B. Stehlin tells about avoiding contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac, as well as treating the rash.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Quick Answers - Questions about poison ivy, oak, and sumac poisoning, identification, home and commercial remedies.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Guide - Pictures, how to identify plants, where they are located, treatment of rashes, medical emergencies, myths and folklore, and how to prevent outbreaks.

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