A rash develops in some people when they touch certain plants and then go into the sun. The sunlight converts a chemical in these plants to an allergen, causing an immune system reaction similar to a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritant plants may cause a local irritation or rash where they come into contact with the skin.

Some plants contain the same oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac, or they contain a substance that is similar enough to urushiol to cause a similar rash.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are found throughout the continental United States. In general, poison ivy grows east of the Rocky Mountains, poison oak west of the Rocky Mountains, and poison sumac in the southeastern United States.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis upon contact. Learn more.

Learn the cause of poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

The most common symptoms of the rash (allergic contact dermatitis) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac are: Itching. Red streaks or lines where the plant brushed against the skin, or general redness. Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives). Blisters filled

Contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac can cause a rash (allergic contact dermatitis). The rash is caused by contact with the oil (urushiol) in these plants. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants.

People in certain jobs or with outdoor hobbies have an increased risk for contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac and the resulting rash (allergic contact dermatitis). These people include: Landscapers. Forest firefighters and forestry workers. Electrical

Call a health professional if: The rash (allergic contact dermatitis) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes great discomfort that is not relieved by home treatment.

A rash (allergic contact dermatitis) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants usually is diagnosed through a physical examination and questions about your outdoor activities. Your health professional will examine the rash.

Learn about home treatment for mild rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

Only the oil (urushiol) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants can cause a rash (allergic contact dermatitis). The best way to avoid contact with urushiol and developing a rash is to avoid the plants.

The rash (allergic contact dermatitis) from poison ivy, oak, or sumac generally is mild and can be treated at home. Home treatment for the rash usually helps relieve symptoms rather than speeding up the time it takes the rash to heal. If you know you had

Learn about medications to treat poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

There are no surgical treatments for a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash.

Some cultures, including certain Native American cultures, have used homeopathic treatment for poison ivy, oak, or sumac as a means of preventing the rash (allergic contact dermatitis).

A list of resources for information on and treatment of rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

A list of sources for the information used in this article on rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac.