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Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac (cont.)

Prevention

  • Avoid these plants. Learn what they look like in your area. Be aware that their appearance can vary with the seasons.

  • Do not burn the plants. Burning can release the allergens into the air.

  • Wear proper clothing to protect your skin, such as gloves, long sleeves, and long pants.

  • Bathe pets that may have the oil on their fur. Use soapy water. Do not forget to wear protective clothing while doing this.

  • Wash any clothing that might contain the plant oil. Unwashed clothes can retain the oil and cause a rash in anyone who wears or handles them.

  • Before you go out in a potentially infested area, you can apply nonprescription products such as Ivy Block or Stokoguard, which act as a barrier to the oils.

  • Remember that the oil can be transferred from people, pets, or objects. Thoroughly wash anything that may carry the oil.



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Plant Poisoning, Toxiccodendron »

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

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