Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis: Difference between revisions
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[[ | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis | |||
| image = [[File:Poison_ivy_contact_dermatitis.jpg|left|thumb|Rash caused by urushiol from poison ivy]] | |||
| caption = Rash caused by urushiol from poison ivy | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[redness]], [[swelling]], [[blisters]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]] | |||
| onset = 12 to 48 hours after exposure | |||
| duration = 1 to 3 weeks | |||
| causes = Contact with [[urushiol]] from plants such as [[poison ivy]], [[poison oak]], or [[poison sumac]] | |||
| risks = Outdoor activities, gardening, forestry | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[history]] and [[physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Cellulitis]], [[herpes zoster]], [[impetigo]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding contact with urushiol, wearing protective clothing | |||
| treatment = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[oral antihistamines]], [[cool compresses]] | |||
| medication = [[Hydrocortisone]], [[diphenhydramine]] | |||
| frequency = Common in areas where these plants grow | |||
}} | |||
[[file:Severe_allergic_reaction_to_urushiol_(poison_oak)_4_days_after_exposure.JPG|left|thumb]] [[file:URUSHIOL_BLISTERING.jpg|left|thumb]] [[file:Poisonivyrash.jpg|left|thumb]] [[file:Poison_ivy_with_swelling.jpg|left|thumb]] '''Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis''' is a type of [[allergic contact dermatitis]] that occurs when the skin comes into contact with [[urushiol]], an oily organic allergen found in plants of the [[Anacardiaceae]] family, such as [[poison ivy]], [[poison oak]], and [[poison sumac]]. This condition is characterized by an itchy, blistering rash that can be quite severe and uncomfortable. | |||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. When urushiol comes into contact with the skin, it binds to skin proteins, forming a complex that is recognized as foreign by the [[immune system]]. This triggers an immune response, leading to the activation of [[T cells]] and the release of inflammatory cytokines, which cause the characteristic symptoms of redness, itching, and blistering. | Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. When urushiol comes into contact with the skin, it binds to skin proteins, forming a complex that is recognized as foreign by the [[immune system]]. This triggers an immune response, leading to the activation of [[T cells]] and the release of inflammatory cytokines, which cause the characteristic symptoms of redness, itching, and blistering. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can last for several weeks. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can last for several weeks. Common symptoms include: | ||
| Line 11: | Line 28: | ||
* Blisters | * Blisters | ||
* Oozing and crusting | * Oozing and crusting | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical presentation and history of exposure to urushiol-containing plants. In some cases, a [[patch test]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | Diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical presentation and history of exposure to urushiol-containing plants. In some cases, a [[patch test]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Common treatments include: | Treatment for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Common treatments include: | ||
| Line 21: | Line 36: | ||
* Cool compresses to soothe the skin | * Cool compresses to soothe the skin | ||
* Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to alleviate itching | * Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to alleviate itching | ||
In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed. | In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis involves avoiding contact with urushiol-containing plants. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, can help minimize exposure. Washing the skin with soap and water immediately after contact can also reduce the risk of developing dermatitis. | Preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis involves avoiding contact with urushiol-containing plants. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, can help minimize exposure. Washing the skin with soap and water immediately after contact can also reduce the risk of developing dermatitis. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Allergic contact dermatitis]] | * [[Allergic contact dermatitis]] | ||
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* [[Hypersensitivity]] | * [[Hypersensitivity]] | ||
* [[Immune system]] | * [[Immune system]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis}} | {{Commons category|Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Allergology]] | [[Category:Allergology]] | ||
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[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | [[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | ||
[[Category:Plant toxins]] | [[Category:Plant toxins]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:47, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Itching, redness, swelling, blisters |
| Complications | Infection |
| Onset | 12 to 48 hours after exposure |
| Duration | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Contact with urushiol from plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac |
| Risks | Outdoor activities, gardening, forestry |
| Diagnosis | Based on history and physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Cellulitis, herpes zoster, impetigo |
| Prevention | Avoiding contact with urushiol, wearing protective clothing |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, cool compresses |
| Medication | Hydrocortisone, diphenhydramine |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in areas where these plants grow |
| Deaths | N/A |



Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is a type of allergic contact dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes into contact with urushiol, an oily organic allergen found in plants of the Anacardiaceae family, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This condition is characterized by an itchy, blistering rash that can be quite severe and uncomfortable.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. When urushiol comes into contact with the skin, it binds to skin proteins, forming a complex that is recognized as foreign by the immune system. This triggers an immune response, leading to the activation of T cells and the release of inflammatory cytokines, which cause the characteristic symptoms of redness, itching, and blistering.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can last for several weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Oozing and crusting
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical presentation and history of exposure to urushiol-containing plants. In some cases, a patch test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Common treatments include:
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Oral antihistamines to relieve itching
- Cool compresses to soothe the skin
- Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to alleviate itching
In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis involves avoiding contact with urushiol-containing plants. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, can help minimize exposure. Washing the skin with soap and water immediately after contact can also reduce the risk of developing dermatitis.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]

