Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash

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Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg

Poison oak rash on the arm

Rash

• 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.

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.

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.