Have you heard the adage, “Leaves of three, let it be?” Do you know what it is all about? It’s a warning that is intended to keep you from brushing or touching the poison ivy plant.
Are you wondering the reason for the warning? It is due to the oily sap on the plant’s leaves called urushiol, which is the common cause of skin allergies and rashes.
Wait, there is still more to learn! Let’s get into the post right away.
What are Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac?
1. Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is a climbing woody vine and common poisonous plant that produces an oily sap that contains urushiol. When you touch this poisonous plant or an object that’s been in contact with the plant’s oil, it can develop an itchy rash or some allergic reactions in that area of your skin.
These plants can cause allergic reactions in nearly 85% of the population. They are found throughout North America, except in the deserts, Alaska, and Hawaii. It commonly grows on sand, stone, and rocky shores, and sprouts in thickets along the borders of woods and roadsides.
Other poisonous plants that cause rashes include poison oak and poison sumac.
2. Poison Oak
Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is found in every plant community with trees or shrubs. It is commonly found in the United States, primarily in the western and southeastern states. Poison oak releases an oil called urushiol, which is similar to poison ivy and poison sumac. When you touch the plant, your skin starts absorbing this allergen. According to the 2019 statistics, 50 to 75 percent of the adult population is sensitive to urushiol in the United States.
Poison oak belongs to the cashew or sumac family and is a close relative of poison ivy (although poison ivy isn’t found on the West Coast).
3. Poison Sumac
Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a woody shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and is popularly known for causing allergic reactions in sensitive people. It is native to North America and is found in wet, swampy areas of the eastern United States and Canada. The leaves are elliptical, smooth, and shiny and have 7–13 smooth-edged leaflets arranged in pairs with a single leaflet at the end of the stem. Like Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, Poison Sumac also contains urushiol oil (a potent allergen that triggers allergic reactions) in its sap, leaves, stems, and berries.
Interesting Facts To Know
- According to the report, approximately 50% to 75% of the US adult population is sensitive to poison ivy, oak, and sumac and 10-15% are extremely allergic.
- This kind of plant is less active in the winter. But poison ivy is still active and poses a threat.
- The plant looks dead but the urushiol will present in all the remaining parts of the plant.
- Nearly around 10-15 million Americans are affected every year and nearly 25-40 million Americans are so sensitive to the urushiol which is produced by poison ivy.
- In the U.S., there are nearly 1.6 million hospital outpatient visits for contact dermatitis every year.
Top 10 States with Highest Recorded Death Rate Due to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
This table shows the states with the highest recorded deaths related to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac over the past two decades, along with their population and death rates per 100,000 people.
| State | Deaths | Population | Death Rate (per 100,000) |
| Maryland | 6 | 19,413,890 | 0.031 |
| Utah | 6 | 35,846,546 | 0.017 |
| Alabama | 4 | 17,588,115 | 0.023 |
| Oregon | 4 | 33,222,685 | 0.012 |
| Nebraska | 4 | 28,419,820 | 0.014 |
| Wyoming | 4 | 37,755,575 | 0.011 |
| Oklahoma | 3 | 7,095,655 | 0.042 |
| Indiana | 3 | 22,081,399 | 0.014 |
| Iowa | 3 | 17,079,691 | 0.018 |
| Kansas | 3 | 38,492,914 | 0.008 |
Symptoms of This Exposure
Poison ivy rash is an itchy, blistering skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to an oil called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol) found in the leaves, stems, and roots of the poison ivy plant. The common symptoms will occur within 12–72 hours after exposure.
a, Itching
This first noticeable symptom will likely be the itchiness, which can become quite extreme and intolerable.
b, Redness
The affected area will turn red and look swollen.
c, Swelling
The skin may become swollen, especially around the blisters.
d, Blisters
Small, fluid-filled blisters may develop on the red, itchy skin.
e, Streaks or lines
The rash may appear in streaks or lines, following the path where the urushiol oil touched your skin.
Mode of Transmission
Direct Contact
Touching any part of the Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac plant, including leaves, stems, and berries, can transfer urushiol to the skin.
Indirect Contact
Urushiol can also be spread indirectly through contaminated clothing, pets, or tools.
Treatment: Get to Know the Possibilities
All you need to do is clean the rash to remove any urushiol residue.
1. Immediate Washing
If exposed to these rashes, it is also very important to wash all clothes and shoes immediately after exposure to remove the urushiol oil because these oils can remain on them and cause reinfection. Also, don’t forget to trim or clean under your nails.
Related: You Can Guess Your Problem By Looking At Your Fingernails
2. Use of Medicinal Properties
You can opt for OTC ointments, cortisone creams, steroid creams (hydrocortisone), calamine lotion, or antihistamines to help with the itching and inflammation. You will heal faster if you have been exposed to the allergen before.
3. Medical Treatment
These rashes can last anywhere from two to three weeks and usually go away on their own. You may need to see a professional if you experience shortness of breath, if the rash doesn’t go away after three weeks, or if a large area is affected.
4. Natural Remedy Usage
Just take a bath with colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is nothing but oatmeal that is ground to a powder, as it will evenly disperse in water. You can get this powder from a drug store or make your own by just grinding it in a blender.
Related: home remedy for food poisoning
5. Don’t Scratch
Don’t touch or scratch the rash, as it increases the damage to the skin and increases the risk of developing a skin infection.
Preventive Measures
Take some preventative measures to get rid of these rashes,
- First, learn to identify poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac to avoid contact.
- If exploring wooded areas, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves.
- Be cautious around wetlands and swampy areas where this poisonous plant is more likely to be found.
If you have any symptoms, then contact the doctor or follow the safety precautions mentioned above.
Stay Safe!
