How do you identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac. What are the symptoms of contact with these plants. How can you prevent and treat rashes caused by these plants. What are common myths about poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Identifying Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Key Characteristics

Recognizing poison ivy, oak, and sumac is crucial for avoiding contact and preventing painful rashes. These plants share some similarities but have distinct features that set them apart:

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is perhaps the most well-known of these troublesome plants. Its characteristic features include:

• Clusters of three leaves (“Leaves of three, let it be”)
• Shiny leaves with smooth or slightly notched edges
• Grows as a vine or shrub
• Found throughout North America in wooded areas

Poison Oak

Poison oak bears a resemblance to poison ivy but has some distinguishing traits:

• Leaves in clusters of three, five, or seven
• Larger, more rounded leaves resembling oak leaves
• Textured, hairy leaf surface
• Grows as a vine or shrub
• Common in western North America and southeastern states

Poison Sumac

Poison sumac differs significantly from its cousins:

• Grows as a shrub or small tree
• Leaves in clusters of 7 to 13, with one leaf at the end
• Smooth-edged leaves
• Prefers wet, marshy areas
• Less common than poison ivy or oak

Can you identify these plants by their berries or flowers? While berries and flowers can provide additional clues, it’s safest to avoid any plant with the leaf patterns described above, regardless of other features.

The Science Behind the Rash: Understanding Urushiol

The rash-causing culprit in poison ivy, oak, and sumac is a compound called urushiol. This sticky oil is present in all parts of these plants, including the leaves, stems, and roots. When urushiol comes into contact with human skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.

Urushiol Facts

• Colorless and odorless
• Remains active on dead plants
• Can persist on surfaces for long periods
• Only a tiny amount (less than a grain of salt) can cause a reaction
• About 85% of people are allergic to urushiol

Is it possible to become immune to urushiol? While some individuals may seem less sensitive, true immunity is rare. Sensitivity can change over time, and previous lack of reaction doesn’t guarantee future immunity.

Symptoms and Progression of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rashes

When urushiol contacts the skin, it doesn’t immediately cause symptoms. The allergic reaction typically develops over the following timeline:

1. Initial exposure: No immediate visible reaction
2. 24 to 72 hours post-exposure: Rash begins to appear
3. 1 week post-exposure: Rash usually peaks in severity
4. 2 to 3 weeks post-exposure: Rash gradually subsides

Common Symptoms

The rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac typically presents as:

• Red, swollen skin
• Intense itching
• Bumps or streaks of raised blisters
• Oozing or crusting in severe cases

Does the rash spread if you scratch it? Contrary to popular belief, scratching doesn’t cause the rash to spread. The appearance of spreading is usually due to different areas reacting at different rates based on the amount of urushiol exposure.

Prevention Strategies: Avoiding Contact with Poisonous Plants

Preventing contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac is the best way to avoid the uncomfortable rash they cause. Here are some effective strategies:

Protective Clothing

When venturing into areas where these plants might grow:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants
• Use closed-toe shoes or boots
• Wear gloves when handling plants or gardening
• Consider taping your pant legs to your boots

Barrier Creams

Products containing bentoquatam can create a protective barrier on the skin, reducing the risk of urushiol absorption. Apply before potential exposure.

Awareness and Avoidance

Learn to identify these plants and steer clear of them. Be particularly cautious in wooded areas, along trails, and near bodies of water.

Is it safe to touch these plants if you’re wearing gloves? While gloves provide good protection, it’s best to avoid contact altogether, as urushiol can stick to gloves and potentially transfer to skin later.

Immediate Actions: What to Do After Potential Exposure

If you suspect you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, quick action can help minimize the reaction:

1. Rinse the exposed area thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild soap
2. If soap and water aren’t available, use rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes
3. Wash all clothing, shoes, and tools that may have touched the plant
4. Avoid scratching or touching the exposed area

How quickly do you need to wash after exposure? Ideally, wash within 10 minutes of contact. Urushiol begins to penetrate the skin rapidly, but prompt cleansing can significantly reduce its effects.

Treatment Options: Managing Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rashes

Once a rash develops, several treatment options can help manage symptoms:

Over-the-Counter Remedies

• Calamine lotion to soothe itching
• Hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
• Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine to relieve itching

Home Remedies

• Cool compresses to reduce swelling and itching
• Baking soda or colloidal oatmeal baths to soothe skin
• Aloe vera gel for its cooling effect

Prescription Treatments

For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe:

• Oral corticosteroids
• Stronger topical steroids
• Antibiotics if secondary infection occurs

Can you pop the blisters to make the rash heal faster? It’s best to leave blisters intact. Popping them can lead to infection and slow healing. If blisters break on their own, keep the area clean and dry.

Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions About Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Several myths surround these plants and the rashes they cause. Let’s clarify some common misconceptions:

Myth: The Rash Is Contagious

Fact: The rash itself is not contagious. You can’t spread it by touching the affected area or through blister fluid. Only contact with urushiol can cause a new rash.

Myth: You Can Become Immune

Fact: While sensitivity can vary, true immunity is rare. Past reactions (or lack thereof) don’t predict future responses.

Myth: Dead Plants Are Safe

Fact: Urushiol remains active in dead plant material. Always handle dead poison ivy, oak, or sumac with caution.

Myth: You Must Directly Touch the Plant to Get a Rash

Fact: Urushiol can transfer from pets, clothing, or tools. Indirect contact can still cause a reaction.

Is it true that burning these plants is dangerous? Yes, this is not a myth. Burning poison ivy, oak, or sumac can release urushiol into the smoke, potentially causing severe respiratory issues if inhaled.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Severe Reactions

While most cases of poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash can be managed at home, some situations warrant medical attention:

Seek Immediate Care If:

• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• The rash covers a large portion of your body
• You develop a fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
• The rash affects your face, eyes, or genitals
• Symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment
• You notice signs of infection (increased pain, pus, warm skin)

Can a poison ivy, oak, or sumac reaction be life-threatening? In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur, particularly if the plants are burned and the smoke is inhaled. This can lead to dangerous respiratory issues requiring immediate medical intervention.

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

If you seek medical care, the doctor may:

• Examine the rash and ask about exposure history
• Prescribe oral or topical steroids for severe cases
• Recommend stronger antihistamines
• Treat any secondary bacterial infections
• Provide guidance on home care and symptom management

By understanding the facts about poison ivy, oak, and sumac, you can better protect yourself and know how to respond if exposure occurs. Remember, prevention is key, but prompt action and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce discomfort if a rash develops.

Pictures of Rashes & Plants

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 25, 2022

Fact. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac grow in wooded or marshy areas throughout North America. The plants aren’t really poisonous. They have a sticky, long-lasting oil called urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash after it touches your skin. Even slight contact, like brushing up against the leaves, can leave the oil behind. Poison ivy and poison oak grow as vines or shrubs. Poison sumac is a shrub or tree.

Myth. Poison ivy is the only one that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. They’re shiny with smooth or slightly notched edges. Poison oak looks similar, but the leaves are larger and more rounded like an oak leaf. They have a textured, hairy surface. There may be groups of three, five, or seven leaves. Poison sumac leaves grow in clusters of seven to 13 leaves, with one by itself at the end.

Myth. It forms within 24 to 72 hours of contact, depending on where the plant touched you. It usually peaks within a week, but can last as long as 3 weeks. A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac looks like patches or streaks of red, raised blisters. The rash doesn’t usually spread unless urushiol is still in contact with your skin.

Myth. It’s usually safe to breathe where poison plants grow. But if you burn them in your yard, the smoke could cause problems. When poison ivy leaves burn, they put out chemicals that can bother your eyes, nose, or lungs. You may need to see a doctor if you breathe the smoke. They’ll prescribe steroids to control your symptoms.

Fact. Keep your skin covered to avoid contact with these plants. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and closed shoes if you’re in an area where they grow. Tie the bottoms of your pants legs or tuck them into your boots. Wear gloves when you handle bagged mulch or bales of pine straw. Keep a pair of shoes just for outside use and keep them outdoors. Try a lotion that has bentoquatam. It acts as a barrier between urushiol and your skin.

Fact. Urushiol begins to stick within minutes. If you know you’ve made contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash the area with lukewarm water and soap ASAP. If there’s no water, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes can remove it. Keep the area cool, dry, and clean. Wash your clothes and clean your boots or shoes. Hose down any garden tools that might have touched the plant.

Myth. But using them along with over-the-counter medicine can ease the itch and keep you more comfortable. Once a rash appears, keep it clean, dry, and cool. Calamine lotion, diphenhydramine, or hydrocortisone can help control itching. Cool compresses or baths with baking soda or oatmeal can also soothe the rash. Don’t scratch. It won’t spread the rash, but can cause scars or infection. Your doctor may suggest other treatments for your symptoms.

Myth. If someone in your household has poison ivy, oak, or sumac, you can’t catch it from them, even if you come into contact with the blisters. Just because you’ve never had a rash from one of these plants doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Most people — about 85% — are allergic to urushiol. You can be affected by it at any age.

Myth. See your doc if the rash is close to your eyes or is widespread over your body. If needed, they can prescribe medications you take by mouth that will help with swelling and itching. Head to the emergency room if you have severe reactions in addition to the rash, like nausea, fever, shortness of breath, extreme soreness at the rash site, or swollen lymph nodes. Call 911 if you have any trouble breathing or feel faint.

Fact. A dog’s or a cat’s fur usually protects its skin from urushiol. But it can stay on the fur and rub off on you. If your pet explores areas where these plants are found, bathe them with soap and cool water. Be sure to wear gloves.

Myth. Don’t burn poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Particles of urushiol remain in the smoke and can aggravate your eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, and can land on the skin. Instead, dress appropriately and dig out the plants, getting as much of the root as possible. Put them in a plastic trash bag and throw it away. Have someone else do this if you’re super-sensitive to the plant. Some plant killers may work. Read the label carefully and use it at the right time of the year. Be careful — urushiol remains active, even on dead plants.

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SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: “Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac. “
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: “Poison Plants.”
Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) Fact Sheet: “Working Outdoors in Warm Climates.”
University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management: “Dealing With Poison Ivy.”
University of Oregon Health Center: “Facts & Fiction About Poison Oak and Ivy.”

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Plants That Cause Rashes & Itching

We enjoy sharing all things poison ivy, but did you know there are other plants that can make you itch or may be potentially dangerous? We consulted the American Academy of Dermatology to get a list of common plants that cause misery.

Plants in the Garden

Fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are wonderful, but some of their plants can make you itch. Strawberries, tomatoes, hot peppers and garlic can all cause rashes to those who are sensitive to them.

Strawberry and Tomato Plants

Hot Pepper and Garlic Plants

Rose hips, the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals, are commonly used in supplements and teas, but the plants can cause an irritating rash.

Rose Hips

The borage plant is used as a cooking herb, but it has stiff hairs that can penetrate the skin and cause a rash. Comfrey is also a member of the borage family and can cause an itchy reaction when handling the plant.

Borage and Comfrey

Remember to wear gloves when planting your winter bulbs! Tulip, hyacinth or daffodil bulbs can all make you itch.

Tulip, Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs

Poisonous Plants to Avoid!

Some plants should be avoided altogether. They can be dangerous and cause more than just a minor rash.

Located along the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California, the poodle-dog bush can cause a blistering rash similar to poison oak. If you come across the plant, you may be able to identify it by its strong smell.

Poodle-Dog Bush

Giant hogweed is likely found along streams, in fields and forests, and alongside the road. It is native to Southwest Asia and was brought to the USA in the early 1900’s to use as an ornamental plant. Giant hogweed can be dangerous as its sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight and result in possible scarring.

Giant Hogweed

Like giant hogweed, the sap from wild parsnip can cause a severe burning, blistering rash.

Wild Parsnip

Commonly mistaken for wild carrot or wild parsnip, poison hemlock can be very toxic to both humans and animals. This plant can be a problem in farmlands because the animals will eat it. Poison hemlock can also be found along creekbeds, irrigation and waste areas. All parts of this plant are toxic, so you want to steer clear of it.

Poison Hemlock

Even more potent than poison hemlock, water hemlock only requires a minimal amount of exposure to be poisonous to humans and animals.

Water Hemlock

Stinging nettle has hairy leaves that can causing itching and a painful rash when it comes in contact with skin. We have a longer post about nettle here. 

Stinging Nettle

We must not forget our favorites, poison ivy, oak and sumac, which are well known for their rash-causing abilities.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac

What to do?

As best practice, you should always wear protective gloves when handling potentially irritating plants and wash up as soon as possible when done. We, of course, also suggest cleaning up with Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser to remove any dirt and oils from your skin.

Use plastic bags to cover a plant before you remove it and use a fresh plastic bag for each plant. Leave the plant inside the bag to dispose of it to avoid touching it in any way.

Cover your skin with long sleeves and pants to avoid contact with potentially harmful plants. This is good practice whether you are enjoying the outdoor trails or working in your own yard. Be sure to wash any exposed clothing before wearing it again.

Use a weed killer or white vinegar to destroy the plant’s roots to avoid having it grow again.

Burning “imprint”. What plants can be dangerous to humans? | HEALTH

06/22/2017 11:36

Lilac Babayeva

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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No. 25. “Arguments and facts in Western Siberia” 06/22/2017

“Imprint” from plants. What plants can be dangerous to humans? AiF

With the onset of hot days, more and more Tyumen residents began to turn to doctors with burns, blisters, redness after contact with herbs. The influx of such patients occurs only in sunny, hot weather, and up to seven people consult only one dermatologist per day.

Mostly summer residents suffer from phytophotodermatitis, but any person can have a reaction from contact with plants after walking outside the city, swimming in flowering water and even walking barefoot on the grass. Doctors expect mass appeals during haymaking.

“Phytophotodermatitis combines two reactions at once: to the sun and plants. They are combined because the sun affects the plants. In hot weather, under the influence of sunlight, they release essential oils, and when a person sweats, his sweat gland ducts expand, which contributes to the penetration of the allergen from plants into the skin. That is why such diseases practically do not occur in cloudy weather, ”says Lyubov Makarova, a specialist in medical prevention at the regional Dermatovenerologic Dispensary.

Backache ordinary (sleep-grass) causes burns on the skin. Photo: From the personal archive / Elena Kozhina

Most often, such a reaction is caused by sedge, cow parsnip, primrose and others. These plants produce allergenic essential oils.

Without contact

As a rule, signs of illness appear immediately after contact with the plant or throughout the day, in some cases on the second or third day. After exposure to the allergen, edema may occur, after it – small bubbles, the opening of which leads to micro-ulcers with a clear liquid in the middle. Necrotic ulcers may appear on the skin, affecting not only the upper layers, but also extending deeper and leading to scarring. And after recovery, age spots may remain in this place.

Phytophotodermatitis blisters are often confused with signs of food allergies and even burns.

“Sometimes, patients come and say that they apparently burned themselves somewhere and did not notice it themselves, but in fact it is phytophotodermatitis,” says Lyubov Makarova.

Most often, the rash appears on the feet, hands and knees – in those areas that come into contact with the grass.

The treatment of the disease is individual and depends on the area and depth of the lesion. With phytophotodermatitis, the first thing to do is to stop contact with the plant that caused it. Most often, it is treated topically, with the help of ointments, lotions and powders. It is also forbidden to sunbathe at this time, both in the sun and in the solarium.

To prevent phytophotodermatitis, try not to contact the grass on sunny days, do not lie on it without bedding, try not to walk barefoot and not swim in a flowering pond.

Topic

Which herbs are better not to touch?

Hogweed

Its juice, if it comes into contact with the skin, can cause severe burns, up to I degree of severity. It is especially dangerous at the time of flowering in sunny weather. Sometimes, after a couple of minutes, under the influence of sunlight, in the place where the hogweed juice got into, inflammation begins and a bubble swells. With prolonged exposure, deep, long-term non-healing ulcers form, leaving scars.

Larkspur (Delphinium)

Poisonous plant from the insidious ranunculus family. May cause allergic reactions (burning and itching) on ​​contact with unprotected skin. If you are breeding delphiniums as ornamental flowers, wear gloves when handling them. And do not allow children to pick beautiful flowers.

Ash tree (burning bush)

The vapors of essential oil released during the maturation of seeds in the heat can severely burn even at a distance of up to two meters.

Meadow parsnip

Causes almost the same burns as hogweed. Once in the meadow, pay attention to light greens on 1.5-meter stems with inconspicuous flowers of the same color – do not touch it.

Buttercup

It is no coincidence that wild and domestic animals bypass these yellow flowers. The poisonous buttercup juice causes irritation, itching, and blisters on the skin. So it’s not worth collecting bouquets from them and even smelling them.

Backache (dream-grass)

Another relative of buttercup. Both wild and cultivated species are poisonous. The juice causes burns on the skin in the form of redness, blisters and abscesses.

Note

Which plants can cause phytophotodermatitis? Nettle, sedge, spurge, primrose, hogweed

See also:

• Irregular mushrooms. How not to cook them so as not to end up in the hospital →
• More and more Tyumen residents suffer from ultraviolet rays →
• At the forum “Family” we talked about the health of children →

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Phytophotodermatitis – rashes from plants – Articles

Phytophotodermatitis – rashes from plants

in childhood, before a walk, did my mother tell us not to pick unfamiliar flowers and plants and not to climb into various thickets? And this was done for a reason, but because many plants that seem harmless can be very poisonous. What is one cow parsnip worth. Such a beautiful name, but on contact you can get not just a burn, but phytophotodermatitis. And quite a lot of different plants are capable of this. Today in the article we will talk about what phytophotodermatitis is, what to do if contact has already happened, and we will also tell you which plants to be wary of.

What kind of animal? Description

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin reaction to contact with a certain plant and parallel exposure to solar radiation. This reaction is caused by substances contained in plants – furanocoumarins.

Plants causing such a reaction belong to the families Umbelliferae, Rosaceae, Leguminous, Rue. For example, hogweed. In addition to hogweed, plants containing such substances include parsley, celery, parsnips, carrots, figs, limes, lemons, bergamot, and some types of wildflowers. Not all of these plants cause a strong reaction, but they may well.

Phytophotodermatitis occurs within 24 hours after contact with the plant, it is worth noting that contact may be short-term and unnoticed. The strength of the reaction depends on the amount of plant juice, the concentration of furanocoumarins, or rather their compounds – psoralens in them, as well as the strength of ultraviolet radiation.

How does it manifest itself?

First, a person comes into contact with the juice of the plant, and then the affected area of ​​the skin is exposed to the sun. After a few days, the skin area darkens in the form of spots that have clear boundaries. At this stage, discomfort is usually absent. After a while, blisters swell in this place, which in no case should be pierced. After the blister itself opens or the liquid inside it is absorbed, the bubble begins to hurt badly. The sensations are more like burning and pain than itching.

After a while, a trace of pigmentation remains in place of the blister, which is difficult to remove. Since it is almost impossible to influence the pigmentation, you can use protection from UV radiation so as not to aggravate the process. UV protection, by the way, protects against the appearance of phytophotodermatitis, it is important to use it before a walk.

If phytophotodermatitis has already happened: algorithm

In the case when contact with the plant sap has already happened and you notice it, you need to wash the affected area as soon as possible with plenty of soap and water. Then, for the next 14 days, apply UV protection to the affected area and cover it with clothing, since it cannot be exposed to solar radiation, in order to avoid burns and phytophotodermatitis.

If contact happened, you did not notice it in time, but you already found blisters, then you should not open them, because not only will the place be very painful, but there will also be a risk of a secondary infection. You can wrap this place with a bandage so that mechanical damage does not happen.

After the blister resolves itself, the place where the blister is located will start to hurt and burn. Cold compresses can help relieve the condition. With severe rashes, anti-inflammatory steroid drugs, which will be prescribed by a doctor, will help. Since we cannot influence a significant regeneration process, it is necessary to relieve pain with ibuprofen or paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids.

If there is itching, redness, irritation, then topical corticosteroids will be the first-line drugs; in mild cases, cooling creams and talcs with zinc, Calamine lotion will help.

In some cases where lesions are very large, hospitalization and hospitalization may be necessary.

How to protect yourself?

If we are talking about our own garden plot, then it is necessary to eradicate poisonous plants, for example, cow parsnip. Be sure to tell the children and all family members about its harm and explain that its flowers, leaves, tops are not a toy, it is a danger and poison.

When destroying hogweed thickets, be sure to protect yourself with waterproof clothing with long sleeves and trousers. It is better to do this in cloudy weather, and pay attention to the UV index, the strength of the sun’s effect on the skin depends on its value.

If there are no such plants on the site, but there are in the area, then be sure to instruct at home, especially with children, and remind them of the danger of such plants before the walk.

And don’t forget about UV protection, that is, creams. Choose a cream with maximum sun protection, i.e. SPF50. Creams, where the figure is above 50, is already a marketing ploy. It is important to renew your sunscreen every 2 hours of sun exposure.

So which plants are dangerous?

And now the most interesting thing – let’s talk about plants that can cause phytophotodermatitis. Not only hogweed is dangerous and poisonous.

1. Sosnowski’s hogweed and ash. The juice of these plants contains furanocoumarins, which have a phototoxic effect, that is, they cause burns under the influence of the sun.
2. Buttercup is caustic. Contains ranunculol, which can cause dermatitis.
3. Marigolds. Yes, yes, those beautiful flowers in Grandma’s garden contain thiophenes, which cause phototoxic burns.
4. Castor oil. The plant and all its parts contain ricin, which causes dermatitis. Especially a lot of this substance in the seeds. If swallowed, it causes severe poisoning.
5. Ivy. It is also completely poisonous, causing burns and blisters, and if ingested, acute poisoning.
6. Croton and spurge. The juice of these plants is similar to milk, when it comes into contact with the skin, it irritates it, and when it enters the body, it causes vomiting.
7. Dieffenbachia. The juice of this plant is extremely dangerous if it enters the mouth, as it causes paralysis of the ligaments and loss of voice.
8. Primula. It contains alkaloids that cause nausea and dizziness, and the juice of leaves and flowers can cause dermatitis.

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin reaction to contact with a poisonous plant and simultaneous exposure to solar radiation.