Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac

People in certain jobs or with outdoor hobbies have an increased risk for contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac and the resulting rash (allergic Reference contact dermatitis Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window). These people include:

• Landscapers.
• Forest firefighters and forestry workers.
• Electrical linemen.
• People who install fences.
• Maintenance workers in parks, gardens, and nurseries.
• Hikers, campers, rafters, kayakers, and fishermen.

Your risk of having a reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac and the severity of your Reference allergic reaction Opens New Window depend mainly on your age and on the extent of the first contact or first few contacts with the plant. Other influences include physical activity and immune system function. Some studies show that how allergic you are to the plants may be inherited.^{Reference 1}

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