Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac

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Topic Overview

What are poison ivy, oak, and sumac?

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause a red, itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis. It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants.

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





What are the symptoms?

The usual symptoms of the rash are:

  • Itching.
  • Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives).
  • Blisters that may leak fluid.

Some people are very allergic to the oil. In these people, even a little bit of the oil may cause serious symptoms that need medical attention right away, such as:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Widespread, large blisters that ooze a lot of fluid.



How is the rash diagnosed?


  • When you were exposed to the plant.
  • How long it took the rash to develop.
  • Other rashes you have had.
  • Your outdoor activities, work, and hobbies.

How is it treated?


  • Use calamine lotion to help relieve itching.


  • Topical anesthetics that contain benzocaine (such as Lanacane).
  • Topical antibiotics that contain neomycin (such as Neosporin).



If you think you have touched any of these plants:

  • Wash your skin right away with plenty of water and mild soap (such as dishwashing soap) or rubbing alcohol. Rinse often, so that the soap or rubbing alcohol doesn't dry on the skin and make the rash worse.
  • Use a brush to clean under your nails.

The best way to prevent future rashes is to learn to identify these plants and avoid them.

When you can't avoid contact with the plants:


Experts say not to burn plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac. When these plants burn, urushiol attaches to smoke particles. Exposure to the smoke can cause a rash on your skin. Breathing in the smoke can also hurt your lungs.

Other Places To Get Help


American Academy of Dermatology
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health (NIOSH) (U.S.)


Other Works Consulted

  • Hall JC (2010). Dermatologic allergy. In JC Hall, ed., Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases, 10th ed., pp. 78–104. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Shofner JD, Kimball AB (2012). Plant-induced dermatitis. In PS Auerbach, ed., Wilderness Medicine, 6th ed., pp. 1232–1251. Philadelphia: Mosby.


ByHealthwise Staff
Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

Current as ofMarch 12, 2014