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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

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.



Next: Causes of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash »

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