What is POISON OAK, POISON IVY and POISON SUMAC?
- Poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac are all botanically and chemically related plants typically found in the Western U.S., Eastern U.S. and Southern U.S. respectively.
- Poison oak, ivy and sumac all contain the oil called urushiol which oozes out of the plants when disrupted.

Causes of a POISON OAK, POISON IVY and POISON SUMAC rash
- The poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac rash (contact dermatitis) is an allergic reaction caused by the direct contact of sensitive persons to the urushiol oil either on plants or infected objects.
- Over half of the US population is allergic to this oil and the degree of sensitivity varies from person to person.
- The oil can be transmitted via infected objects such as shoes, clothing, tools and animals. Severe cases have occurred from urushiol oil-covered soot in the smoke of burning plants. 

Symptoms of a POISON OAK, POISON IVY and POISON SUMAC rash
- Most rashes caused by these plants are mild and disappear within a week or two.
- These rashes are typically red and inflamed with possible blister-like lesions which may ooze a clear fluid in severe cases.  Itching and irritation are usually present.
- Severe reactions (widespread lesions over the body, lesions affecting the face & eyes, swelling) may occur within hours of exposure.  This is a potentially serious reaction and a physician must be notified.  Approximately 15% of the population allergic to poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac suffer from this severe reaction.

Treatment and prevention of POISON OAK, POISON IVY and POISON SUMAC rashes
- The best prevention is avoidance of the plants if possible.
- During an outing, protective clothing should be worn to avoid direct contact.  After the outing, the clothes should be washed in hot water along with any other objects which may have come in contact with the plants.
- Rubbing and scratching the rashes do not spread poison ivy to other parts of the body (or to other people). The rash is spread only if the urushiol oil has been left on the hands or other objects and is transmitted.

If contact is made with a plant, a reaction may be avoided if the following steps are taken immediately (15-30 minutes) after exposure:
- Remove and wash all exposed clothing in hot water.
- Wash exposed skin areas with a mild soap and water.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to exposed skin areas with cotton balls (avoid eyes and sensitive areas).
- Rinse the exposed area with large amounts of cool water.

- The rash should be rinsed several times a day with plenty of cool water.
- Medicated soaks and baths may be effective for relieving itching and discomfort. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- Topical and oral non-prescription medications may also help to alleviate itching and discomfort. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- In severe cases, stronger medication may be prescribed by a physician.

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This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD