Poison ivy, oak and sumac are all members of this group. The dermatitis usually appears within two days of exposure. Although most cases of poison ivy, oak or sumac are transmitted by direct contact with a plant, there may be droplet spread during burning of the plants. One can also acquire poison, ivy, oak or sumac dermatitis from animals, clothing and other objects which have come into contact with the substance from the plant. The eruption produced by poison ivy, oak or sumac is an allergic eczematous, contact dermatitis, usually characterized by itching, burning, redness, papules, vesicles and bullae.
Treatment is related to symptoms and severity of the rash.
The fluid from the rhus group of plants may remain under a person s fingernails unless removed deliberately by thorough cleaning. Washing with soap or detergents and water renders articles, such as clothing and other objects contaminated with substance from the rhus group of plants, harmless. Animals that come in contact with this substance should be bathed. God bless all of you. Monetta Campbell, Environmental Services Back to Top GET to KNOW . . .