Poison Ivy versus Other Skin-Irritating Plants

Poison Ivy

How to recognize it:

• Usually grows as a vine or ground cover.
• Three jagged, pointed leaves on one stem.
• Shiny with fuzzy or velvety underside.
• Leaves change from green (summer), to reddish (spring) and then yellow/orange (fall).

Poison Sumac

How to recognize it:

• Grows as a bush or a small tree.
• Red or brown stems.
• Odd number of leaves (7-13), the one on the end pointing like a feather.

Poison Oak

How to recognize it:

• Usually grows as a shrub or vine.
• Three pointed, rounded leaves that have an oak leaf shape.
• Groups of three, five or seven leaves.
• May have small pumpkin-shape berries.

All 3 plants contain a chemical called urushiol that causes an itchy rash.

Rash Timing:

• Poison Ivy: 12-48 hours to appear.
• Poison Sumac: 2-3 weeks for first-time rashes. Additional exposures may result in faster appearance.
• Poison Oak: 24 hours – up to a week to appear.

How Common:

• Poison Ivy: Very common in Ohio.
• Poison Sumac: Fairly rare. Only grows in very wet areas, like swamps.
• Poison Oak: Found in southern and western US.

With all three, rashes will appear:

• Small bumps that may progress to blisters.
• Red, swollen and itchy, possible urning sensation.
• Once skin is cleaned, rashes are not contagious.

Prevent Contracting a Rash By:

• Avoid contact. Cover exposed skin.
• Wash skin with warm water and soap to remove the plant oils
• Wash clothes or any items that may have touched the plant to prevent spreading.

It is dangerous to burn poison ivy leaves and breathe in the smoke.

Signs to Seek Professional Help:

• Spreads to large areas of your body.
• Rash is close to your eyes.
• Prevents you from sleeping.
• Lasts more than 1-2 weeks.
• Severe reaction (nausea, fever, shortness of breath, extreme soreness, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing or feeling faint).