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Each year 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from an allergic
reaction after coming into contact with poison ivy, oak, and
sumac. While maximal sensitivity to urushiol—the oily toxin
found in these plants—is reported to occur in early adulthood,
children ages eight to fourteen years old are more likely to
develop a rash after exposure.
Urushiol causes one of the most common allergic reactions in
the United States. While it is most potent in the spring and
summer, urushiol remains active in the fall and winter months.
Urushiol can penetrate the skin within minutes, and if you don’t
treat it quickly enough, redness and swelling will appear in
about twelve to forty-eight hours and blisters and itching will
follow. It only takes a very small amount (equivalent to a few
grains of salt) on the skin to initiate the itchy rash in about
five hundred sensitive people. The rash may continue to develop
for several days after the initial symptoms. Following the redness
and itchiness, the rash may also blister before it heals.
Poison Plant Identification
Poison ivy has three pointed leaflets with smooth or toothed edges. It typically grows as a climbing vine and grows yellow
or green flowers and white berries.
Poison Oak typically has three shiny leaflets. Its leaflets
are lobed, and resemble leaves from an oak tree. Poison oak is
commonly found in the Western U.S., growing as a shrub.
Poison Sumac has seven to thirteen leaflets on each stalk. It
produces berries, has red veins, and grows as a shrub or small
tree.
Poison Plant Facts
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow almost everywhere in the
U.S. except Hawaii, Alaska, and some desert areas in the west.
- Although a certain percentage of adult Americans are tolerant
to poison ivy, oak, and sumac, between 10 -1 percent of the
population is so sensitive to these plants that they cannot
work at outdoor jobs.
- Urushiol can spread from one body part to another and from
one friend or family member to the next. It can stick to pets,
clothes, balls, hiking gear, and anything with which it comes
in contact!
- Even dormant poisonous plants, those that have dropped their
leaves and have a dried up vine and stem, can still cause reactions.
Dead plants can contain urushiol for several years after the
plant dies.
Tips for Avoidance
- Avoidance of poison ivy, sumac, and oak begins with proper
identification. Many people mistake it for other plants.
- Remember the adage—Leaves of three,
let it be.
- Wear enclosed footwear, long pants, and long sleeves to help
prevent the urushiol from coming in contact with your skin.
Clothing or any other object that has touched the plant must
be handled carefully and washed thoroughly.
- Burning poison plants puts urushiol particles into the air,
and can cause outbreaks inside noses, throats, and lungs! Never
burn poison plants!
If you do come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac,
remove the urushiol immediately following exposure. CORTAID® Poison
Ivy Care Toxin Removal Cloths instantly remove the urushiol that
is found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac to help prevent the rash
and reaction they can cause and is safe for use on all external
body skin. For more information, on how you can ditch nature’s
itch, please visit www.cortaid.com or www.leavesofthree.org.
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