Poison ivy (Eastern U.S.) or poison oak (Western U.S.) is a delayed allergic reaction. Brushing the plant on the skin results in blisters and slightly elevated lesions 1-2 days after exposure, accompanying a severe itch. Poison ivy, or poison oak, typically has a linear pattern. This image displays poison ivy in linear lesions, due to the patient either rubbing the allergen across the skin or brushing up against the poison ivy plant. This image displays broad areas of inflammation with a linear pattern typical of poison ivy (Eastern U.S.) or poison oak (Western U.S.). This image displays the poison ivy allergen on the face. This image displays a rash with a linear distribution typical of poison ivy. This image displays fluid-filled blisters typical of the intense allergic reaction of poison ivy dermatitis. This image displays poison ivy dermatitis where the allergen touched the skin. Linear streaks with bumps or blisters are common in those with a poison ivy allergy who come in contact with the oil from the plant. This image displays poison ivy, which is identifiable by the grouping of three leaves. Also note: Berries carry the allergen as well. This image displays the poison oak plant, which, like poison ivy, has 3 leaves. Unlike poison ivy, however, the poison oak plant typically looks more like a shrub and has leaves that resemble an oak tree's leaves. Poison sumac has between 7 and 13 leaves on each branch of the plant. Poison sumac can be differentiated from nonpoisonous types of sumac by the location of the fruit on the plant, with the fruit of the poisonous plant growing between the leaf and the branch, opposed to the ends of the branches.
Top Background Graphic
About Us | Contact Us | Site Map
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac:
Information for adults

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Poison ivy (Eastern U.S.) or poison oak (Western U.S.) is a delayed allergic reaction. Brushing the plant on the skin results in blisters and slightly elevated lesions 1-2 days after exposure, accompanying a severe itch. Divider line
Poison ivy (Eastern U.S.) or poison oak (Western U.S.) is a delayed allergic reaction. Brushing the plant on the skin results in blisters and slightly elevated lesions 1-2 days after exposure, accompanying a severe itch.
left arrow
right arrow
Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Your physician may prescribe:
  • In severe cases involving large body areas, a 14–20 day course of oral steroids (prednisone).
  • In cases with more limited skin involvement, medium- to high-potency topical steroids may be used to treat the trunk and extremities, while low-potency topical steroids may be prescribed to treat the face and skin fold areas.
  • Oral antihistamines may be prescribed for itching. 
  • Topical or oral antibiotics may be needed if an infection is suspected.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

Prev: Self-Care Guidelines
Next: References/Trusted Links

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.