Highlights & Basics
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants (Toxicodendron species) often cause contact dermatitis due to soluble oleoresins (urushiols).
- Contact can result in a severe, itchy dermatitis, which often persists for 10 to 15 days.
- Prevention relies on recognition and avoidance of the plants, but many people are unaware of their appearance.
- Immediate washing of the skin after inadvertent contact may prevent development of the allergic response.
- First-line treatment is corticosteroids: topically for mild-to-moderate cases, and orally for severe reactions. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are an alternative option.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Guin JD, Beaman JH, Baer H. Toxic anacardiaceae. In: Avalos J, Maibach HI, eds. Dermatologic botany. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1999.
Rozas-Muñoz E, Lepoittevin JP, Pujol RM, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to plants: understanding the chemistry will help our diagnostic approach. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2012 Jul-Aug;103(6):456-77.[Abstract][Full Text]
Guin JD, Beaman JH. Toxicodendrons of the United States. Clin Dermatol. 1986 Apr-Jun;4(2):137-48.[Abstract]
Paniagua CT, Bean AS. Black-spot poison ivy: a rare phenomenon. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2011 Jun;23(6):275-7.[Abstract]
- CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: plant identification
- American Academy of Dermatology: poison ivy, oak, and sumac
- Government of Canada: poison ivy
- US Department of Agriculture: PLANTS database (search for: toxicodendron)
- CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: poisonous plants
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