Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac contain an oil called urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash in most people. Brush clearers, surveyors, landscapers, line crews and utility workers meet these plants constantly.
- Outdoor Workers
- Landscapers
- Surveyors
Recognize the plants
- Poison ivy: three leaflets ("leaves of three"), a vine or shrub, leaves may be shiny or dull, edges smooth or toothed.
- Poison oak: three leaflets with lobed edges like oak leaves, shrub or vine.
- Poison sumac: a shrub or small tree with 7 to 13 leaflets on a stem, in wet areas.
- Plants change with the season. Even bare winter vines and roots contain urushiol. Learn the local versions.
How exposure happens
- Direct contact with leaves, stems or roots.
- Indirect contact with oil on tools, boots, gloves, clothing, pets and equipment. Urushiol can stay active for months or years.
- Smoke from burning brush that contains the plants carries urushiol into the lungs and can cause severe breathing problems. Never burn them.
Prevention
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and vinyl or nitrile gloves over cotton liners when clearing; leather and cloth gloves soak up oil. Tape cuffs if needed.
- Use a barrier skin product if the label says it helps. It is not a substitute for covering up.
- Don't touch your face or eyes with contaminated gloves.
- Spray or remove plants only with the proper methods: herbicide where allowed, or hand-pull while wearing protection and bag the debris. Do not burn or chip them.
- Mark areas with poison plants for others.
After exposure
- Wash skin as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes, with cool water and soap or a cleanser made to remove oils. Scrub under nails.
- Wash clothes, boots and tools separately in hot water with detergent. Wipe tools with rubbing alcohol and gloves on.
- Wash pets that may carry oil.
Treat the rash
- Cool compresses and oatmeal baths may help; hydrocortisone or calamine lotion may ease itching
- Do not scratch; infection can follow. The rash is not contagious and cannot spread by the blister fluid, but oil left on skin or clothes can spread it
- See a doctor for severe rashes, face or genital involvement, rash over much of the body, fever, pus or trouble breathing. Seek emergency care for swelling of the throat or breathing trouble
Standards & references
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