How to identify and treat poison oak, ivy, and sumac rashes - Medical News Today
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause an allergic skin reaction. These poisonous plants contain an oil that can trigger the body's immune system and produce a rash. Becoming familiar with the appearance of these plants can help a person identify and prevent an allergic rash from exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that while the expression "leaves of three, let it be" can be helpful for identifying poison ivy and poison oak, this is not true for poison sumac, as this plant usually has clusters of 7–13 leaves. Additionally, some species of poison ivy and oak may also have more than 3 leaves. If a person suspects contact with one of these plants, the CDC recommends they wash the exposed skin and scrub their nails. When a rash appears, applying wet compresses or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce itching and blistering. However, if the rash is severe or if someone is having trouble breathing, they should get im