Diane Berson MD & Emily Lebowitz MD

Poison ivy is a form of contact dermatitis caused by an inflammatory reaction to urushiol, an oily plant resin found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.

After exposure to one of these plants, a rash typically develops within a few days. In those never previously exposed to urushiol, the rash can be delayed for a couple of weeks. Importantly, contact with clothing contaminated with urushiol can cause the rash as well. Poison ivy dermatitis is characterized by very itchy, raised, pink or red circular bumps (usually in a linear formation) on areas of exposed skin. Blisters can form as well. The ankles and wrists are commonly affected, but multiple areas of the body can develop a rash before the urushiol is washed off hands and clothing.

It is important to cleanse the skin as soon as possible after contacting poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants. All clothing should be washed, as should pets that might have been exposed. For those who routinely garden, vinyl gloves are recommended for prevention.

Management of poison ivy dermatitis may include topical corticosteroid creams or oral steroids such as prednisone. Additional soothing measures may include anti-itch lotions, colloidal oatmeal baths, and oral anti-histamines.

#poisonivy #contactdermatitis

Educational information only, not medical advice

PMID: 34826273
PMID: 31045932