Shepherd Public Schools

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction due to an irritant or allergen. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Sumac create an allergic contact dermatitis.

The rash usually begins within 1-4 days after exposure. It begins as itching, redness and small blisters. The blisters become larger with generalized drainage of blisters. It appears in a somewhat linear streaking pattern. Contents of the blisters cannot cause a skin rash in another individual or even in another location on the person. The blisters eventually dry and crust over in about 2-3 weeks. The rash most often occurs on the hands, forearms and face but may appear on any skin that comes in contact with plant.

Most cases of poison ivy, poison oak and sumac are transmitted by direct contact with the plant. There may droplet spread during burning of the plants. One can acquire poison ivy, poison oak and sumac dermatitis from animals, clothing, baseball bats and other objects that have come into contact with the substance from the plant. It is not spread from person to person from the contents of the blisters of the rash.

Student may continue to attend school. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and cool water within 15 minutes of exposure or as soon as possible. You may apply loose dressings to discourage scratching. Cool packs for about 15 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times daily may help. Plain Calamine lotion to help dry blisters is also useful. Student may need to see the doctor if rash is extensive or involving the eye, face or mucous membranes.