Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Care Instructions

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Poison oak, poison sumac, poison ivy

Your Care Instructions

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash upon contact. The red, itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and may cause fluid-filled blisters or large, raised hives.

The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oil in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. The rash may occur when you touch the plant or when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants.

You cannot catch or spread the rash, even if you touch it or the blister fluid, because the plant oil will already have been absorbed or washed off the skin. The rash may seem to be spreading, but either it is still developing from earlier contact or you have touched something that still has the plant oil on it.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • If your doctor prescribed a cream, use it as directed. If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • Use cold, wet cloths to reduce itching.
  • Keep cool, and stay out of the sun.
  • Leave the rash open to the air.
  • Wash all clothing or other things that may have come in contact with the plant oil.
  • Avoid most lotions and ointments until the rash heals. Calamine lotion may help relieve symptoms of a plant rash. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.

To prevent poison ivy exposure

The best way to prevent future rashes is to learn to identify these plants and avoid them.

When you can't avoid contact with the plants:

  • Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed shoes to help keep the oil from getting on your skin.
  • Wear vinyl or leather gloves. Rubber (latex), cotton, or wool gloves offer no protection.
  • Wash well or throw away anything that came into contact with the plants. You can use an after-contact product, such as Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, to clean plant oil from your skin, clothing, or tools.
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after you use the washroom.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your rash gets worse, and you start to feel bad and have a fever, a stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.
  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the rash.
    • Pus draining from the rash.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

  • You have new blisters or bruises, or the rash spreads and looks like a sunburn.
  • The rash gets worse, or it comes back after nearly disappearing.
  • You think a medicine you are using is making your rash worse.
  • Your rash does not clear up after 1 to 2 weeks of home treatment.
  • You have joint aches or body aches with your rash.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: October 5, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine