It's the oil in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac that can cause a delayed hypersensitivity and send people to their doctor looking for relief.
"Usually, a rash will show up in one to three days. It lasts for up to three weeks, and it usually peaks around a week. It can cause lots of blistering, scratching. Poison ivy and poison oak typically form in three leaf clusters from a single branch. Poison sumac will have five to seven leaves,” says Dr. Jay Marque, from Urgent Care.The best way to avoid discomfort is to learn the appearance of the poison plants. What they have in common is the oil they release when the leaves are bruised, damaged, or burned.
"The intensity of the rash is dependent on how much oil you get on your skin and how long it's in contact with the skin. So if you wash it off with warm, soapy water or a mild dishwashing detergent, it's actually very effective at getting it off the skin," says Dr. Marque.But if you find it's too late, and you've developed the skin rash, Dr. Marque says comfort measures at home might be the answer, though you may still need to see a medical professional.
"Cold compresses, calamine lotion, or oatmeal baths, and that will often just make you feel better. Topical steroids are often used and occasionally with really severe rashes, especially if they involve the face, we might give them steroid pills or even an injection if it's really bad," says Dr. Marque.And if you're burning brush, make sure it does not have these poisonous plants piled in. Inhaling the smoke can cause severe allergic respiratory problems.
Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants will create a barrier that helps to protect your skin. But poison ivy, oak, and poison sumac can also disperse their irritating oil on your clothes, so avoid handling your clothing with your bare hands after time spent in poisonous plant habitat.
For more information on what they look like and avoiding these noxious plants try the University of Florida Extension website.
