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February 7, 2012
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Medical Author:
Daniel Jobe, MD
Coauthor:
Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, PA
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Home Remedies and Other Treatments for Poison Oak Exposure

Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Editor: Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Learn home remedies for the treatment of poison oak exposure.Poison oak, also called western poison oak or Pacific poison oak, is one of the causes of allergic contagious dermatitis (ACD). Poison oak may appear as a dense shrub in open sunlight or as a woody vine under shadows. Similar to poison ivy, poison oak has three smaller leaflets on each leaf. Poison oak plants contain an oil called urushiol, a toxic chemical in their leaves, stems, and roots. Many people develop an allergic reaction through direct or indirect contact with urushiol or inhalation of urushiol smoke. The initial immune reaction begins once the poisonous substance is absorbed onto their skin or through mucous membranes like the nose or lips. Together with poison ivy, poison oak leads to 10% of lost work time in the U.S. Forest Service. Hundreds of firefighters in California's coastal ranges are so severely affected that they cannot work.

While about 15% of people may be immune to poison oak, this poisonous oil can cause serious allergic reactions in the majority of people.

Discover home remedies for poison oak exposure »

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Overview

More than half the people in the United States are sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. If you are sensitive, you can develop an itchy, blistering rash by coming into contact with these plants.

  • Whether you are working or just enjoying the outdoors, look out for these plants:
  • Poison ivy is generally found east of the Rocky Mountains, growing as vines or shrubs. The leaves can have either 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 bush but sometimes as a climbing vine. Its 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-shaped, with seven to 13 growing on each stem.
  • The appearance of each of these plants can vary considerably from region to region, and with the seasons. Even dead plants in underbrush can transmit the toxic oil to your skin.


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Poison Ivy Oak And Sumac - Symptoms

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What symptoms did you experience with your poison ivy or poison oak?

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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac »

Topic Overview

What are poison ivy, oak, and sumac?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis when they touch your skin. The red, uncomfortable, and itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and is marked by fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or large raised areas (hives). It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants (plant dermatitis).

See a picture of poison ivy, oak, and sumac leaves.

What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?

The rash is caused by contact with an oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, o...

Read the Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Plant Poisoning, Toxiccodendron »

Toxicodendron dermatitis is an allergic contact dermatitis (allergic phytodermatitis) that occurs from exposure to members of the plant genus Toxicodendron.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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