Toxicodendron radicans; poison ivy

Introduction

Poisonous plant containing the toxin urushiol which causes allergic contact dermatitis.

Laboratory

• poison ivy IgE Ab in serum

Management

• barrier products prevent contact of urushiol with skin
  • bentoquatam (Ivy Block) is of some benefit
• soap & water after exposure
  • wash, clothes, tools, shoe laces
• dogs in contact with poison oak or poison ivy may spread urushiol to those that have contact with them
• Zanfel, an OTC wash allegedly binds & removes urushiol from skin after exposure, but data is lacking
• glucocorticoids
  • topical if prior to formation of vesicles
  • oral glucocorticoids for severe cases involving face, genitals or > 25% body surface
    • prednisone 60 mg PO QD X 4 days (adults), then decrease dose by 10 mg every 2 days
    • prednisone 1-2 mg/kg QD for 7-10 days (children)
      • then taper over 7-10 days

More general terms

• Toxicodendron

Additional terms

• contact dermatitis (exogenous eczema)
• urushiol