Who is affected by poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis . The rash is caused by the oil (urushiol) found in these plants. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. • About 50% to 75% of people in the United States are allergic to poison ivy, oak, or sumac and will develop a rash.1, 2 • About 10% to 15% of the U.S. population will not develop a rash after contact with any of these plants. These people are said to be tolerant.3 • About 10% to 15% of the U.S. population are extremely sensitive to the plants’ urushiol and will have swelling, extreme blistering, fever, and a feeling of illness, usually within 2 to 6 hours after exposure.1 These people need to seek emergency medical care when they are exposed. • About 35% of the U.S. population will have no reaction to small amounts of urushiol but will react to high levels.1 • Each year, up to 50 million people in the U.S. develo
