Question 1

what is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Plants: The shape of the leaf is the only difference.  Poison ivy is a smooth border.  Poison oak is rugged and shaped like an oak leaf.  Both plants have bracts of 3 leaves.  Both cause blister like rashes to hands and skin.

Question 2

how do i tell the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Plant allergy: Poison ivy has leaves of 3 and smooth edges.  Poison oak has leaves of 3 and has rough edges like an oak leaf.  They both cause blister like rashes to skin.

Question 3

please help! what is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

The plant involved: These are  two different plants ; both produce the rheus antigen responsible for the identical contact dermatitis. The leaves of the plant are similar in appearance, with the p.Oak  leaf remaining rounded at its edge where the p.Ivy leaf comes to a sharp point.

Question 4

please let me know if there is any differences between poison oak and poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Difference in leaf: The poison ivy is leaf is composed of three parts on the same level each the shape of an arrow head. See www.Poisoncontrol.Org on their plant section for a picture. If you flatten the sharp edges and make the leaves rounded like a pin oak you have the poison oak. The sumak is a long multipart fron that resembles more of a fern than a regular plant leaf, its small leaflets are similar ti the ivy.

Question 5

how can you tell the difference between poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac?

Accepted Answer

Difference in leaf: The poison ivy is leaf is composed of three parts on the same level each the shape of an arrow head. See www.Poisoncontrol.Org on their plant section for a picture. If you flatten the sharp edges and make the leaves rounded like a pin oak you have the poison oak. The sumak is a long multipart fron that resembles more of a fern than a regular plant leaf, its small leaflets are similar ti the ivy.

Question 6

what is the difference between poison ivy and poison oak?

Accepted Answer

Not much: Poison ivy and poison oak are both plants that can cause a contact dermatitis. The rash will look the same from both of these plants.

Question 7

what's the difference between poison ivy and poison oak?  are they in all parts of the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

Poison Ivy: Everywhere in the us and southern canada except the far west, deserts and at high altitude. In the west they have poison oak, which is very similar. Both love roadsides and edges of fields. And certainly into southern canada and northern mexico as well.

Question 8

poison oak and poison ivy the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Different plants: Same clinical presentation of contact dermatitis.  Treatment is the same.  However, these are two different plants.

Question 9

can poison oak and poison ivy get through long sleeves and pants?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Clothing is not an effective barrier, especially if one sweats. Wearing vinyl gloves under garden gloves can help.

Question 10

can this be used for poison oak and poison ivy in the vulva area?

Accepted Answer

Mild Cortisone: Use a mild cortisone over the counter cream for the vulva area.   This skin is thinner here than other areas,so you just don't want to use a stronger prescription steroid in this sensitive area as it may thin the skin.  You can try an over the counter antihistamine like zyrtec (cetirizine) daily to help control itchiness.   If this doesn't clear up within the week, you may need a visit with your physician.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Poison oak and poison ivy difference

A member asked:

What is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

A member asked:

How do i tell the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

A member asked:

Please help! what is the difference between poison oak and poison ivy?

A member asked:

Please let me know if there is any differences between poison oak and poison ivy?

A member asked:

How can you tell the difference between poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac?

A member asked:

What is the difference between poison ivy and poison oak?

A member asked:

What's the difference between poison ivy and poison oak? are they in all parts of the u.s.?

A member asked:

Poison oak and poison ivy the same thing?

A member asked:

Can poison oak and poison ivy get through long sleeves and pants?

A member asked:

Can this be used for poison oak and poison ivy in the vulva area?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?