If the chemical has not been very likely to develop a rash. In some people, completely washed off the skin, touching very small amounts of the chemical can provoke the affected areas then another part of the a serious reaction. These are very fragile body can transfer the chemical and thus plants whose stems and leaves broken by the the rash. The rash cannot be passed wind, animals, or even the tiny holes made by between persons, unless is still chewing insects can release urushiol. present on the skin of the affected Cases of poison ivy allergy occur most individual. frequently during the spring, summer and early “Leaves of three, let them be...” Usually, no visible reaction will fall when people spend more time outdoors. A is an old adage that many of us should occur the first time a person comes in heed, especially those reaction can develop even during winter because who are allergic to urushiol is still present in dead or decaying The rash cannot be passed poison ivy. plants. The chemical can be carried in smoke from one individual to another Allergic reactions to particles from burning plants. The smoke may UNLESS the chemical urushiol is still present on the skin of three native American expose not only the skin of susceptible persons the affected individual. plants—poison ivy, to the chemical but also their nasal passages, throat and lungs. poison oak and poison all members contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Urushiol is transferred easily from one of the genus —have Many times, one may not even realize that object to another, so clothing or tools that touch been sources of misery for many centuries. they have been in contact with it. If a rash the plants, or pets that rub against them, can According to experts at the American does appear, it may be 7-10 days later. pick up the Academy of Dermatology, approximately Repeated low-level exposures over a plant oil and The chemical can 85 % of the population will develop an period of years are generally necessary for pass it directly remain active for at allergic reaction if exposed to them. a person to reach this level of sensitization, to the person. least one year and ALLERGIC REACTIONS: and many people never develop an allergic The chemical sometimes longer. Approximately 12-48 hours after exposure contact from poison ivy, oak, or can remain to poison ivy, oak or sumac, in susceptible sumac plants. active for at least one year and sometimes much persons, contact with these plants leads to The of all three plants are longer. Therefore, exposed objects or pets a skin rash. This is known as allergic not identical but are sufficiently similar for should be thoroughly cleansed with water after , which is an a person allergic to one to react to all three. contact with the plants. inflammation of the skin. They are members of the family

The resin of all three contains an which includes several trees—cashew, active oily ingredient known as urushiol. Scratching or the spontaneous oozing of , Japanese lacquer and Indian When you come into contact with the rash and blisters will NOT cause marking nut. Skin rashes have followed the leaves or roots of the plants, you are them to spread because urushiol is not contact with wooden and lacquered articles present in the blister fluid. produced in Asia and with the oil from the cashew nut shell . What are the TREATMENT  USE SOAP & WATER: Immediately after symptoms? exposure, use soap and water to wash away the urushiol from the skin. If all the oil can be The itchy rash characteristic of an allergic washed off the skin within 5 minutes of contact, there should be no reaction. In the reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac woods, the water of a running stream can be usually develops within 12-48 hours after an effective cleaner. Any clothing that might a sensitized person comes in contact with have come in contact with the resin should be POISON IVY washed before it is brought indoors, if the urushiol. The time may be as short as possible. Be sure and wash off any garden 4 hours or as long as 10 days, depending tools, hunting or fishing gear, or other items ALLERGIC on one’s sensitivity and the extent of the including jewelry that may have been in contact with the plants. contact. The rash is usually self-limited. REACTIONS  APPLY WET, COLD COMPRESSES: A It is at its worst about 5 days after it starts, person with a mild rash requires little or no and gradually improves within a week or further treatment. The sores will heal without treatment, but wet cold cloths applied to the two even without treatment. skin may relieve any inflammation while the The skin becomes red, then rash is still oozing. bumps and blisters appear. This is usually  CALAMINE LOTION: Calamine lotion accompanied by itching sometimes by applied to the rash will help to relieve the itching and inflammation. swelling. After several days, the blisters  SHOWERS OR BATHS: Cool showers or break and the oozing sores begin to crust soaking in a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or over and disappear. Scratching the rash baking soda added will help dry blisters and provide comfort. may introduce bacteria into the open sore “Leaves of three...let them be.” causing a secondary bacterial infection. PREVENTION Interesting facts: Urushiol Oil is Potent Severe infections may produce symptoms  Only 1 nanogram is needed to cause rash such as abscesses, enlarged glands, and Recently the USFDA approved the use of  Average is 100 nanograms for most bentoquatam, which is available over the counter fever. people to prevent poison ivy. It comes in a lotion that  ¼ oz. of urushiol would cause a rash on A person should see a physician if the rash should be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes every person on earth is severe on the face or genitals, or covers before exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or  500 people could from the amount sumac. It provides a barrier that protects or more than 20% of the body. The covering the head of a pin reduces the severity of the rash caused by the  Specimens of urushiol several centuries physician may prescribe medications to plants. Susceptible persons should reapply it every old have caused dermatitis in sensitive 4 hours for continued protection while they are at reduce the itching and inflammation. people risk to becoming exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac.

Revised August 2011 Bentoquatam should not be used if people already have a rash from these plants or for children under the age 6.