Poisonous plant rash treatment
If you have an allergy to the oil urushiol, you can develop a rash after touching poison ivy, oak or sumac.* Only the oil can cause a rash, so the rash cannot spread through burst blisters, as some people believe.
Wash your skin and clothes after touching one of the plants to help prevent the oil from spreading. The oil can also stick to pets’ fur without causing a reaction, so use pet shampoo to wash any pets that may have come into contact with one of the plants.*
If a rash develops, a MinuteClinic® provider assess the rash and prescribe medication or treatment.
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Looking for information about poison ivy, oak and sumac? We have you covered.
What are poison ivy, oak and sumac rashes?
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that can cause an allergic skin reaction. Poison ivy is one of the most common causes of skin rash among children and adults who spend time outdoors.* Most of the time, the allergic reaction is an itchy, red rash. For some people, these rashes can be life-threatening or more serious symptoms may develop.
What are the symptoms of poison ivy, oak and sumac?
The most common symptom is an allergic skin rash. This rash is usually red, itchy and bumpy. The bumps can turn into blisters that may leak pus. Over a few days, the blisters begin to dry up and form a crust as the rash goes away. The rash can occur on any body parts or areas that were exposed to the plant.
Getting help
A MinuteClinic provider can assess your rash and develop a treatment plan to help eliminate itchiness and redness. This plan can help your rash clear up faster by using over-the-counter or prescription medications. In some cases, scratching the rash can lead to infection (called a secondary infection) that requires antibiotics.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Urushiol, an oil made by poison ivy, oak and sumac, causes a rash when it gets onto your skin. Often, these rashes will also form blisters. Contrary to popular belief, the fluid from the blisters cannot spread the rash.
If you wash the oil off your skin, you will no longer be able to spread it to people or clothing. It can get onto and stay on clothing, pets, shoes, tools and other surfaces for long periods of time.
- Poison ivy is a vine or shrub that has leaves that grow in clusters of three. The stem may have a hairy appearance, and smaller stems may have a reddish color. The leaves can be shinier than other plant leaves. It may have yellow or green flowers with clusters of green-yellow or amber berries.
- Poison oak is a vine or shrub that has leaves that grow in clusters of three. It may have yellow or green flowers with clusters of green-yellow or white berries.
- Poison sumac is a shrub that has 7 to 13 leaves that grow on a stem. The leaves are always green and smooth, and the stems are always red.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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*FOR ALLERGY TO URUSHIOL SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatology. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: Who gets a rash, and is it contagious? Accessed March 9, 2025.
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*FOR OIL CAN STICK TO PETS’ FUR SOURCE: Food and Drug Administration. Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants. Updated June 9, 2021.
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*FOR MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SKIN RASH SOURCE: Medline Plus: Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash. National Library of Medicine. Updated July 8, 2023.
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*FOR WHAT DO PLANTS LOOK LIKE SOURCE: National Institute for National Safety and Health. Poisonous plants and work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 9, 2025.