Quantcast 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.
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac:
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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.
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Overview
Poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac dermatides are all reactions to the oil (called urushiol) found on the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.
  • People typically have itchy bumps (papules) and blisters (vesicles).
  • Itching can be intense, and secondary bacterial infection can result from scratching.
  • Scratching does not spread lesions; the lesions with the most antigen appear first and then, as the immune response increases, lesions with less antigen begin to erupt.
  • Skin lesions usually begin to appear after 48 hours of initial exposure.
  • Symptoms are usually related to severe itching.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008

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