What are poison ivy, oak, and sumac?Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause a red, itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis. It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants.What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?The rash is caused by contact with a sticky oil called urushiol (say yoo-ROO-shee-all) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. You can get the rash from:Touching or brushing against any part of these plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots, even if the plant is dead. Touching anything that has come in contact with these plants, such as clothing, sporting gear, gardening tools, or pet fur.The rash is only spread through the oil. You can't catch a rash from someone else by touching the blister fluid.The rash is an allergic reaction to the oil. You become allergic to it through contact. After you have come in contact with these plants, your immune system may start to react to the oil as though it's a harmful
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