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Toxicodendron diversilobum; poison oak

Poisonous plant containing the toxin urushiol which causes allergic contact dermatitis. Management: - barrier products prevent contact of urushiol with skin - bentoquatam (Ivy Block) is of some benefit [2] - 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 [2] - glucocorticoids [2] - 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

Related

contact dermatitis (exogenous eczema) urushiol

General

Toxicodendron

Properties

KINGDOM: plant

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
  2. Prescriber's Letter 12(7): 2005 Management of Poison Ivy Detail-Document#: 210706 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com