Understanding Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac?
The symptoms of poison ivy, oak, and sumac are:
- Patches of red, itchy skin, usually followed by small blisters, which fill with a clear fluid and eventually break open.
- Severe cases can develop into swollen, extremely itchy areas.
Call Your Doctor About a Rash If:
- Your rash stays red and itchy for more than a week; you may have another type of contact dermatitis or eczema.
- You have the rash near your eyes or the rash covers a large part of your body. You may need medical intervention.
- You have severe complications, such as generalized swelling, headache, fever, or a secondary infection.
- You have been exposed to the smoke from burning poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. The toxin is not destroyed by fire and can cause severe allergic reactions.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on April 11, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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