Who is likely to develop poison ivy, oak or sumac?
More than half of adolescents are sensitive to the oil of poison ivy, oak or sumac. Teens who brush up against these plants may acquire the oil by direct plant to skin contact. Pets, especially dogs that have direct contact with the plants and then have contact with the teen can also transfer the oil. Burning brush that includes poison ivy, oak or sumac may liberate the oil into the air either through the ashes or the smoke. Once the smoke or ashes touch the skin of susceptible adolescents, then an allergic reaction may occur. And finally, if a teen touches clothing or tools that have been contaminated with the oil, he or she may develop an allergic reaction. What are the symptoms of poison ivy, oak and sumac? The symptoms of poison ivy, oak or sumac usually include the following: • an itchy red spotty rash • red itchy blotches • blisters that may appear in a linear pattern The first symptoms may occur as early as eight hours or as late as a week after contact with the oil. The differe
