Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac

The rash associated with a case of poison ivy, oak, or sumac is an allergic reaction to a resin contained in the leaves, stems, and roots of these poisonous plants. Because these plants are most abundant during springtime, most cases occur at that time of the year.

The rash and treatment of these three conditions are similar. This entry focuses mainly on poison ivy, the most common of the three, but what is true for poison ivy is true also for poison oak and poison sumac.

A child can get poison ivy from the plant itself or by touching anything that has come in contact with the plant and has some of the resinous oil on it. For example, if a child picks up a rake that has been resting in a bed of poison ivy, the characteristic rash may develop. If clothing or the part of the body that touched the plant is not carefully washed, the oil can be spread to other parts of the body, or even be transmitted to another person. Another, and potentially quite serious, form of exposure can occur through the inhalation of smoke from burning leaves if there are parts of the poison ivy plant among them.

A poison ivy rash can appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after contact with the resin. The rash can last from one to four weeks, and is usually at its worst four to seven days after exposure. The severity of the condition depends on the amount of contact with the resinous oil, as well as how sensitive the child is to the plant. Not everyone is allergic to poison ivy. The resin may not bother some children at all, while others develop a serious and extensive rash.

The rash first appears as red, very itchy pimples that may develop into small fluid-filled blisters. If the contact occurred with the edge of a leaf, the eruption may form in a straight line. As with all skin rashes and wounds, it is possible for the area to become infected. If you notice signs of local infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or warmth or tenderness at the site, seek medical advice.

If your child experiences pain or swelling on the face or genitals and is uncomfortable because of this, or if the rash is very extensive, medical care may be warranted. Otherwise, most cases of poison can be treated successfully at home.

Supplements and herbs

• Apply soothing aloe vera gel to the rash three or four times a day.
• To relieve itching and help the skin heal more quickly, apply calendula tincture to your child's rash several times a day, as needed.
• To relieve both itching and inflammation, apply jewelweed juice. Use the fresh plant. Simply slit the stem and put the juice on the rash. Jewelweed will also help keep the rash from spreading. Jewelweed is a native perennial wildflower that is sometimes also referred to as impatiens. However, it should not be confused with the cultivated annual called impatiens that is commonly sold in nurseries and garden centers, which is an entirely different plant that has no usefulness in treating poison ivy. Jewelweed should be available at herb shops and through qualified herbalists.