Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash

Prevention

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.

References

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby:2001;194-195.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002:1647-1648,2200.

Habif, TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby;2004:25,85-89,402.


Poison oak rash on the arm


Poison ivy on the knee


Poison ivy on the leg


Rash

Review Date: 2/27/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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