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Poison ivy/oak/sumac releases urushiol oil when the leaf or plant parts are damaged. The oil causes an allergic reaction on the skin.
Symptoms
Contact usually causes red, swollen skin, blisters, and severe itching. Rash usually reaches its peak after five days, and is gone within one to two weeks.
Symptoms
Contact usually causes red, swollen skin, blisters, and severe itching. Rash usually reaches its peak after five days, and is gone within one to two weeks.
Spread
Poison ivy/oak/sumac are not passed from one person to another but can be spread person to person through direct contact with the plant resin. A person may spread the rash by accidentally rubbing the resin on other parts of the skin before all resin is washed off.
Spread
Poison ivy/oak/sumac are not passed from one person to another but can be spread person to person through direct contact with the plant resin. A person may spread the rash by accidentally rubbing the resin on other parts of the skin before all resin is washed off.
Contagious Period
Poison ivy/oak/sumac are not contagious. Neither the rash nor the fluid from open blisters contain urushiol.
Contagious Period
Poison ivy/oak/sumac are not contagious. Neither the rash nor the fluid from open blisters contain urushiol.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: No exclusion unless rash conditions are suspected.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: No exclusion unless rash conditions are suspected.
Causes
Contact with the chemical urushiol, found in the plant sap or resin, causes an allergic reaction. Others who come in contact with the plant resin on clothing, animal fur, or other objects may also develop a rash.
Causes
Contact with the chemical urushiol, found in the plant sap or resin, causes an allergic reaction. Others who come in contact with the plant resin on clothing, animal fur, or other objects may also develop a rash.
Incubation
It usually takes six hours to two or three days after contact with resin for a reaction to begin.
Incubation
It usually takes six hours to two or three days after contact with resin for a reaction to begin.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Resin can travel through the air on soot particles when the plant is burned. Exposure to the smoke can cause a reaction. Bag plants, don’t burn them.
Washing with cold running water and scrubbing under fingernails within 10-15 minutes after exposure may prevent a reaction. Bathing can spread the resin to other parts of the body.
Wash clothing or jewelry that may have had contact with the resin.
Try not to scratch. This can lead to secondary infections.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Poison Ivy Oak Sumac.pdf
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