It’s Time for Fall…and Time for Poison Ivy!

As the fall season is now upon us, outdoor activity will peak as does the fall foliage.  People don’t equate the fall season with poison ivy, but as a dermatologist, I see quite a few patients this time of the year suffering from this very common form of skin allergic dermatitis.  Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all in the same family of plant called toxicodendron.  The dermatitis is produced by exposure to some portion (leaf, stem, vine, and roots) of the bruised plant allowing the oleoresin to contact the skin causing itching and rash. “Leaves three, leave them be!”  The best way to prevent poison ivy dermatitis is the avoidance and/or destruction of the plant. Remember, one does not

necessarily need to have direct contact to the plant/oleoresin to acquire poison ivy dermatitis.  The resin can be transmitted from pet fur, not living objects such as athletic balls, and even aerosolized from burning.  Poison ivy is actually a beautiful plant in the fall contributing to the variety of gold’s, reds, and greens observed in the fall foliage palette.  As outdoor fall activity increases with hiking, hunting, running, mountain biking and yard activities, remember to look for poison in your pathway.  If one is exposed to poison ivy, soap and water cleansing of the skin within an hour generally renders the toxicodendron resin harmless.  If a rash should develop the poison ivy rash, there are a number of over the counter anti-itch lotions (Sarna, Calamine, and Aveeno), topical 1% hydrocortisone cream, and Benadryl for itching.  Significant rashes from poison ivy may require medical attention and more involved therapy including oral/systemic steroids.  Good luck and be careful out there!