Poisonous Plants to Watch Out for This Summer & Poison Ivy Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Centers in Pennsylvania?

Outdoor adventures and yard work are great ways to enjoy the summer, but not all greenery is harmless. If you suspect you've come into contact with a toxic plant—such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac—visit one of the AFC Urgent Care Centers in Pennsylvania for expert evaluation and care.

These three plants contain urushiol, a potent oil that triggers itchy rashes and irritation. While the rash itself isn't contagious, the oil easily transfers to skin, clothing, and other surfaces, spreading to others or even different areas of your body if it's not washed off.

Poison ivy tends to creep along the ground as a vine or low shrub. It is surprisingly common in both rural and urban areas throughout the U.S., except for desert regions, Hawaii, and Alaska. It's most recognizable by its clusters of three-pointed leaves, often accompanied by tiny flowers or pale berries.

Poison oak resembles the lobed structure of oak leaves but grows more like a shrub, rather than a tree. Its leaves are typically rounded, and while it's similar to poison ivy, it's slightly less widespread.

Poison sumac is harder to spot. It often grows in wet areas, such as riverbanks or marshes, and appears as a shrub or small tree with branches lined by paired leaflets, usually totaling around 13 per stem. The rash it causes can be more intense than those triggered by poison ivy or oak.

Urushiol sensitivity affects about 85% of people. For some, it brings mild redness and itching; for others, it leads to swelling, blisters, and even fever. Anaphylactic reactions are rare but serious and require immediate emergency treatment.

Who's most likely to be at risk?

Outdoor professionals and enthusiasts—such as landscapers, hikers, farmers, and construction workers—face higher exposure, especially when clearing brush or vegetation. Rashes usually last 1 to 3 weeks, and stronger reactions may need prescription creams or oral steroids. The good news is that once the oil is thoroughly removed from the skin and surfaces, the rash can't continue to spread.

How does someone avoid contact with poisonous plants?

Wearing long sleeves, gloves, and protective gear when working in overgrown areas can make a big difference. If you need to remove these plants near your home or worksite, opt for herbicides rather than physical handling. And never burn them—urushiol particles released into the smoke can lead to dangerous lung irritation if inhaled.

Would a rash be caused by contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac? Visit any AFC Urgent Care Center in Pennsylvania for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment to keep your summer comfortable and safe. Our clinics in Pennsylvania are open 7 days a week, and no appointment is ever needed to be seen by our experienced staff. Centers are generally open until 8 pm Monday through Friday and until 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Don't wait days with uncomfortable itching for your primary care provider to be available and come today for relief!