Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common plants that cause a skin
rash. A sap that comes from these plants causes the rash. The name of this sap is
urushiol. It is not really a poison but it causes an allergic reaction. Not everyone
reacts to urushiol. If you are allergic to it, though, you can get a skin rash
when you:
Touch poison ivy, poison oak, or poison
sumac.
Touch clothing, garden tools, or shoes that
have the sap on them.
Touch pets that have the sap on them.
Come in contact with the smoke of these
burning plants.
Symptoms
The skin rash comes a day or two after contact with the poisonous plant. Things to
look for are:
Itching
Redness
Burning feeling
Swelling
Blisters
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Prevention
Know what these plants look
like and avoid them:
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison ivy and poison oak both have 3 leaflets per stem. This is why you may have heard the saying, "Leaflets three, let them be."
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac has 7 to 11 leaflets. One leaflet is at the end of the stem. The others are in two rows opposite to each other.
Look for an over-the-counter lotion (Ivy
Block), which blocks skin contact with the sap from poison ivy, oak, and sumac. You need
to apply the lotion before you come in contact with the plants.
If you know you have come in contact with one of the plants, do the things
below within 6 hours. You may prevent an allergic reaction if you do.
Remove all clothes and shoes that
have touched the plant.
Wash your skin with soap and water.
Apply rubbing alcohol with cotton balls to
the parts of the skin that are affected. Or, use alcohol wipes that are prepacked. {Note:
Carry alcohol wipes with you when you are going to places that have poison ivy, oak, or
sumac.} Or, try an over-the-counter product, Tecnu, which removes the poison ivy sap.
Rinse the affected area with water.
Do you have any of these problems?  Skin that is very bright red Severe itching, swelling, or blisters Rash on large areas of the body or the face Rash that has spread to the mouth, eyes, or
genitals Pus |
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Take a cold shower, put the rash area in
cold water, or pour cold water over it. Use soap when you shower.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine,
such as Benadryl, as stated on the label to relieve itching.
For weeping blisters:
Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
Dip squares of gauze in this mixture.
Cover the blisters with the wet gauze for 10 minutes, four times a day. (Do not apply this
to the eyes.)
Make sure you wash all clothes and shoes
with hot water and a strong soap. Bathe pets that have come in contact with poison ivy,
oak, or sumac. The sap can stay on pets for many days. Also, clean tools etc., that you
used to wash your clothes and pet(s). Wear rubber gloves when you do all these things.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth,
and face.
Do not scratch or rub the rash.
Apply any of these to the skin rash:
Calamine (not Caladryl) lotion
Over-the-counter topical steroid cream, such as Cortaid. {Note: Do
not apply to the face or genital area.}
Paste made with baking soda - mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water
Take baths with lukewarm water and an
over-the-counter product called Aveeno colloidal oatmeal
Call your doctor if Self-Care Tips do not bring relief.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99