This image displays a rash with a linear distribution typical of poison ivy.
This image displays a rash with a linear distribution typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the line-like configuration of the inflamed skin lesions typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the line-like configuration of the inflamed skin lesions typical of poison ivy.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to poison ivy.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to poison ivy.
The linear streaks seen near the third finger are characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis from a plant - in this case poison ivy.
The linear streaks seen near the third finger are characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis from a plant - in this case poison ivy.
The irregular bumps of early poison ivy dermatitis may resemble acne when on the face.
The irregular bumps of early poison ivy dermatitis may resemble acne when on the face.
This image displays the poison ivy allergen on the face.
This image displays the poison ivy allergen on the face.
Poison ivy often causes facial swelling and
Poison ivy often causes facial swelling and "weepy" skin lesions.
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the poison oak plant, which, like poison ivy, has 3 leaves. Unlike poison ivy, however, the poison oak plant typically looks more like a shrub and has leaves that resemble an oak tree's leaves.
This image displays the poison oak plant, which, like poison ivy, has 3 leaves. Unlike poison ivy, however, the poison oak plant typically looks more like a shrub and has leaves that resemble an oak tree's leaves.
Poison sumac has between 7 and 13 leaves on each branch of the plant. Poison sumac can be differentiated from nonpoisonous types of sumac by the location of the fruit on the plant, with the fruit of the poisonous plant growing between the leaf and the branch, as opposed to the ends of the branches.
Poison sumac has between 7 and 13 leaves on each branch of the plant. Poison sumac can be differentiated from nonpoisonous types of sumac by the location of the fruit on the plant, with the fruit of the poisonous plant growing between the leaf and the branch, as opposed to the ends of the branches.

Images of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac (11)

This image displays a rash with a linear distribution typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the line-like configuration of the inflamed skin lesions typical of poison ivy.
This image displays allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to poison ivy.
The linear streaks seen near the third finger are characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis from a plant - in this case poison ivy.
The irregular bumps of early poison ivy dermatitis may resemble acne when on the face.
This image displays the poison ivy allergen on the face.
Poison ivy often causes facial swelling and
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the grouping of three leaves with irregular edges typical of poison ivy.
This image displays the poison oak plant, which, like poison ivy, has 3 leaves. Unlike poison ivy, however, the poison oak plant typically looks more like a shrub and has leaves that resemble an oak tree's leaves.
Poison sumac has between 7 and 13 leaves on each branch of the plant. Poison sumac can be differentiated from nonpoisonous types of sumac by the location of the fruit on the plant, with the fruit of the poisonous plant growing between the leaf and the branch, as opposed to the ends of the branches.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes (dermatitides) are all an allergic reaction to the oily resin found on the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants, called urushiol. The allergy starts after repeated exposure to the plant’s oil and may occur at any age. People usually develop an itchy rash of papules (small, solid bumps), plaques (a raised or bumpy area larger than a thumbnail), vesicles (small blisters), and sometimes bullae (blisters larger than a thumbnail) in the affected areas.

  • The itch can be intense, and scratching may break the skin, resulting in bacterial infection.
  • You cannot spread the rash from touching the lesions, even if the blisters pop; the rash is spread by contact with the plant resin itself.
  • The rash first appears on the areas of skin exposed to the most oil, and then areas exposed to less oil begin to develop a rash later.
  • Skin lesions usually begin to appear within 48 hours after exposure if your child has had previous contact with urushiol. If it is their first exposure, the reaction could take up to a few weeks.


Who's At Risk?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac may affect people of any age, sex, and race / ethnicity.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can occur anywhere on the body where exposure to the plant’s oil has occurred. The arms, legs, face, and neck are commonly affected. Red and brown-red papules, plaques, and blisters appearing in straight lines may be seen, and a crust may form on top. In darker skin colors, the redness may be harder to see, or it may appear more purple or gray.
  • In a type of reaction called the “black spot” variant, the oil from the plant leaves one or more black dots on the skin.
  • If the face or genitals have been exposed, extreme swelling may develop in the affected area.
  • The rash may last for weeks.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • After known poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac exposure, use warm water to wash all potentially exposed areas within 20 minutes to remove the plant’s oil. Be sure to wash under the nails as well. Once the oil has been washed off, there is no risk of spreading the condition to other parts of the body.
  • Be sure to wash clothes, gloves, and shoes that have come into contact with the oil as well.
  • Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants, and long socks) to avoid future reactions, or apply a protective barrier (eg, IvyX Pre-Contact Poison Skin Solution).
  • Cool tap water, soothing oatmeal baths (Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment), and calamine lotion can help relieve itch.
  • Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream can be used for mild cases.
  • Oral antihistamines (chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine [eg, Benadryl]) can help relieve the itch, but these may cause drowsiness.
  • DO NOT USE topical anesthetics containing benzocaine (eg, Anbesol) or diphenhydramine (eg, Benadryl), as people easily become allergic to these products.

Treatments

Your child’s medical professional may prescribe:

  • A medium-to-high-potency topical steroid to treat the trunk and arms and legs or low-potency topical steroid to treat the face and skinfold areas if the affected areas are more limited.
  • Prescription oral antihistamines for itching.
  • A 14-to-20-day course of oral prednisone if they have a severe outbreak affecting large body areas.
  • Topical or oral antibiotics if bacterial infection is present.

Visit Urgency

See your child’s medical professional if the rash does not improve with self-care measures or appears to be getting worse.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

Disease Groups: New Itchy Skin Rashes in Children, New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

Last modified on June 26th, 2024 at 2:49 pm

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Age
Gender
Submit