• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when walking in areas where these plants may grow.
• Skin products such as Ivy Block lotion can be applied beforehand to reduce the risk of a rash.

Other steps include:

• Learn to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Teach your children to identify them as soon as they are able.
• Remove these plants if they grow near your home (but never burn them).
• Be aware of resins carried by pets.
• Wash as soon as possible after a suspected exposure.

Anderson BE, Marks JG Jr. Plant-induced dermatitis. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 57.

Cydulka RK, Garber B. Dermatologic presentations. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 118.

Habif TP. Contact dermatitis and patch testing. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 4.

Images

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg

Poison oak rash on the arm

Rash

Review Date: 05/18/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine (11/1/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)