05/26/10
Poison Ivy Oak and Sumac Exposure
This article is a general guide on identification of and advice after exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac.
Category: General
POISON IVY, OAK & SUMAC EXPOSURE
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy red rash in individuals who are sensitive. The plant leaves contain an oil that irritates the skin. The redness or blistering rash is often in streaks or lines because the leaves brush across the body in a line as you walk past. After a first time exposure the rash onset is 1 to 2 weeks, for recurrent exposures the rash onset is 8-48 hours after contact.
Plant Identification
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy has three leaflets from a single stem. Two of these leaflets will be exactly opposite each other and the third will be by itself on a longer stalk. The edges of the leaves may be toothed or rounded. Poison ivy may grow as a small plant, bush or vine and lives in sun or shade, on the ground, or hanging from trees. Poison ivy leaves turn deep scarlet in the fall.
Poison Oak
Poison Oak has lobed leaves that resemble an oak leaves. The leaves will be arranged similar to those of poison ivy, but they will be lobed with smooth edges. The leaves turn deep scarlet in fall.
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac prefers wetland and bog areas with saturated soil. It can grow to be 20 feet but tends to grow within the 8 to 10 foot range. Poison sumac has featherlike leaves in odd numbers ranging from 5-13. The leaves have a glossy, waxy look. They turn bright red and orange during fall. Poison sumac has red stems that stay red all year long. The plants grow fruit in the center between the main stems of the leaves. Look for creamy white or light yellow berries. The berries hang down from the center.
(Poison sumac photos)
Home Care Advice
1. Steroid Cream: apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream 4 times a day to decrease itching. Keep the cream in the refrigerator, it feels better when applied cold.
2. Local Cold: soak the involved area in cool water for 20 minutes or massage with an ice cube as often as necessary to reduce itching and oozing. You may use Aveeno Oatmeal Bath as directed.
3. Benadryl: take an antihistamine (e.g. diphenhydramine, Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra) if itching persists. The adult dosage is 25-50mg orally 4 x a day.
• Do not take antihistamines such as Benadryl if you have a history of prostate enlargement
• Antihistamines cause sleepiness. Do not drink alcohol, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
• Read package directions thoroughly on all medications before taking them.
4. Avoid scratching : Cut fingernails short and try not to scratch to prevent a secondary infection from bacteria
5. New blisters appear: If new blisters occur several days after the first ones, you probably have had ongoing contact with the irritating plant oil. To prevent recurrences, bathe all dogs and wash all clothes and shoes that were with you the day of the exposure.
6. Contagiousness : Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are not contagious to others
7. Expected Course: Usually lasts 2 weeks. Treatment reduces severity not the length of time.
Contact Physician for an appointment
• When rash lasts more than 3 weeks
• If rash looks infected e.g. soft yellow scabs, pus or spreading redness out from rash
• If swelling is severe
• If rash involves greater than ¼ of the body
• If face, lips, eyes or genitals are involved
• If severe itching interferes with normal activities or prevents sleep
(Contact physician for an appointment continued)
• If you have had a severe reaction in the past
Go to the Emergency Room Immediately
• If you have difficulty breathing or severe coughing following exposure to poisonous plants
• If you become severely ill and/or weak after exposure to poisonous plants