Treatment of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
by Dr. Abner Bagenstose Poison ivy is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in the United States. Despite how common it is, there is a lot of confusion about how it is spread, what the rash looks like, and how best to treat it. Let’s help clear up some of the confusion. Recognizing Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac Poison ivy is the most common of a family of plants that secrete the skin irritant urushiol, the lacquer found within the sap of the plant that causes contact dermati