Plant Rashes

Introduction to Plant Rashes

Plant rashes are an example of a contact dermatitis allergen. In the United States, the Rhus family of plants, which includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, produces more cases of contact dermatitis than all other substances combined.

Plant rashes can affect any part of the body, but commonly affected areas are the hands, forearms, and face. The skin rash itself is not contagious, only the toxic plant oil, which is called urushiol. The rash and reaction in those who are susceptible usually starts with itching and swelling and may progress to inflamed blisters at the areas of contact.

The rash can begin as early as an hour or as late as five days after contact. The worst stage of the rash generally occurs 4 to 7 days after exposure and may last for 1 to 3 weeks.

Preventing plant rashes >