MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Poison ivy - oak

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Poison ivy - oak - sumac

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Illustrations

Poison oak rash on the arm

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg

Definition Return to top

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac poisoning is an allergic reaction from contact with the sap of plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Contact may be indirect, such as petting an animal that came in contact with the plant. The sap can also contaminate clothing, garden tools, and sports equipment such as fishing rods or golf clubs.

Small amounts of sap can remain under a person's fingernails for several days unless it is deliberately removed by meticulous cleaning. The droplets of sap can even be found in the ashes of burned plants.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

One poisonous ingredient is the chemical urushiol.

Where Found Return to top

Bruised roots, stems, flowers, leaves, fruit
Pollen of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

Skin symptoms include:

Itching
Burning
Redness
Blisters
Swelling

Home Treatment Return to top

Wash the area immediately with soap and water. Prompt washing can prevent a reaction, but is of little help more than 1 hour after exposure. Isolate and carefully wash any contaminated objects or clothing in hot soapy water.

An antihistamine cream or steroid cream may help with the itching. An oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, may relieve some of the itching.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the plant
The amount swallowed (if swallowed)

Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top

Call or see your health care provider for advice about visiting the emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number. Unless the reaction is severe, the individual will probably not need to visit the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

Treatment you may receive in the emergency room includes:

Washing the affected areas
Applying an antihistamine or steroid cream
Giving oral antihistamines or steroids

Note: Some or all of these procedures may be performed.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Life-threatening reactions may occur if the poisonous ingredients are ingested or inhaled (such as from burning plants). However, typical skin exposures resolve without any long-term problems. A secondary skin infection may develop if the exposed areas are not kept clean.

Update Date: 5/17/2003

Updated by: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.