Poison Ivy - Poison Oak

Don’t let the outdoors keep you indoors. Get the facts about Poison Oak and Ivy:

What causes poison ivy, oak and sumac rash?

It all boils down to the skin’s reaction to a nasty little oil called urushiol (ooh-roo-she-all).
Urushiol is a toxic, resinous substance that is found in all parts of the poison ivy, oak and sumac
plants. When urushiol gets on the skin it binds to the skin within 10-20 minutes. The rash from
poison ivy, oak and sumac is the body’s natural reaction to the toxin. Contact with this annoying
oil produces a rash in three out of four people. The rash can begin within a few hours after
contact, or it can start three to five days later.

Where do poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac plants grow?

Poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac and other members of the Rhus family grow in all portions
of the North American continent (except Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii) at elevations below
4,000 feet with a rainfall above eight inches per year.

What does a poison oak or poison ivy rash look like?

The rash starts with itchiness and swelling, followed by a reddish inflammation of tiny pimples.
Blisters form and couple in a chain-like reaction, and a clear fluid oozes from the blisters. This
fluid then hardens to a yellowish crust. Left untreated, the rash (a typical histamine response) will
last three to five weeks.

What can I do to relieve the itching?

There is no cure for the poison ivy or poison oak rash once it begins, only relief of the symptoms.
Avoid further contact with the plant oil if possible, and be sure to wash the area with original
Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser or Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub to remove the rash causing
urushiol oil.

Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, & Sumac FAQs

Minor itching, pain, oozing and swelling can be relieved with over the counter, anti-itch
treatments that contain zinc acetate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, or hydrocortisone like
Calagel Medicated Anti-itch Gel or Corticool 1% Hydrocortisone Gel. In severe cases, a
physician can prescribe antihistamine creams, tablets or shots.

Do the blisters cause the rash to spread?

No, the blisters are the body’s natural allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. If the
blisters break and ooze, the fluid does not contain the oil that causes spreading. Oil from the
original contact with poison oak and poison ivy can continue spreading (unless removed) for the
first day or two. If new areas of rash appear after three days, you are most likely getting re-
exposed to the plant oil from contaminated clothing, tools or even your cat or dog. These items
can be cleaned with original Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser.

How long will a poison oak or poison ivy rash last?

Mild cases of poison oak or poison ivy can last five to 12 days. More severe cases can last 30
days or longer.

Can I get the rash from someone else?

Generally speaking, no. Once the rash appears (i.e., within 1–3 days), the original oil has all
bonded to the skin, so it can’t be spread to others.

How long does the urushiol oil last?

The oil does not evaporate and can remain active for a year or longer after being picked up on
tools, clothing, animal fur, etc. Removal of the oil with a thorough cleansing is important to avoid
contamination through secondary contact in the future. The original Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser
can be used to remove the urushiol oil from these items.

Should I break the blisters?

Never break the blisters! An open blister can easily become infected and lead to blood
poisoning. If the blisters break, cover loosely with a sterile bandage. In severe cases, contact
your doctor.

I’ve never had the rash before. Can I get it now?

Yes, you can begin getting the rash at any time during your life. Three out of four people are
sensitive to poison oak and poison ivy. Sensitivity is just a matter of being exposed enough times
until the body has an allergic reaction to the poison oil.

Should I wrap or cover the rash with bandages?

Air is helpful to healing any wound. If you cover the rash with a sterile bandage, cover loosely to
allow oxygen to reach the surface of the skin. It is important to keep the rash very clean;
changing the sterile bandage frequently reduces the risk of infection. Seek medical attention if the
rash becomes red, feverish, or shows other signs of infection.

Are dead poison oak or poison ivy plants safe to touch?

No, the poison oil remains toxic and does not evaporate. All parts of living or dead poison ivy,
oak and sumac plants, including the roots, contain urushiol oil. Be especially careful of dead
poison oak and poison ivy vines on firewood and leafless vines in the winter.

Can I get the rash from my pets?

Yes. Since animals’ fur protects their skin from urushiol oil, they typically don’t develop a rash.
However, the oil will remain on their fur and may contaminate you when you touch them. The
original Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser is safe to use on your pets to remove the oil from their fur.

Is it possible to get a rash by breathing the smoke of burning poison oak
or poison ivy plants?

Yes. Urushiol can be carried in the smoke from burning leaves or brush. If you think you have
inhaled the oil, see your physician immediately; this can be a very serious condition. In several
states it is illegal to burn poisonous plants. Never burn them! Avoid breathing the smoke.

Does bleach remove the urushiol oil or help heal the rash?

No. Bleach may appear to be a quick fix to a poison oak or poison ivy rash. However, bleach
removes the top layer(s) of your skin. Using it can irritate your skin, and in the process, weaken it
so that the rash may become worse, or it could lead to an infection. Your skin may then become
more sensitive to getting the rash in the future.