Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

What Should I Do If I am Exposed to a Poison Plant?

If you think you may have been exposed to a poison plant:

• Remove your clothes.
• Wash all exposed areas with cool running water. Use soap and water if you can. Be sure to clean under your fingernails. In the woods, the water of a running stream can be an effective cleanser.
• Wash your clothing and all gardening tools, camping gear, sports equipment and other objects that came into contact with the plants.
• Bathe pets exposed to the plants.

When Should I Call the Doctor About Poison Plants?

If any of the following occurs after being exposed to a poison plant, seek immediate medical attention:

• You have symptoms of a severe reaction, such as severe swelling and/or difficulty breathing.
• You have been exposed to the smoke of burning poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
• The rash covers more than one quarter of your body.
• The rash occurs on your face, lips, eyes, or genitals.
• The initial treatment does not relieve the symptoms.
• You develop a fever and/or the rash shows signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, pus or yellow fluid oozing from the blisters, and an odor coming from the blisters.