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Santa Barbara Skin Care
Santa Barbara Skin Care

Gary S. Novatt, MD | Corey S. Frucht, MD, PhD 
Robert W. Sheffield, MD | Claire Wiswall, PA-C

Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology 
in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara: (805) 569-1164Solvang: (805) 688-4236

 

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Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac

Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that produce an oil (urushiol) that causes an allergic reaction among humans. The inflammation is a reaction to contact with any part of the plant, which leads to burning, itching, redness and blisters. The inflammation is a form of contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to an allergen that comes into direct contact with the skin. It is not contagious. Poison ivy is more prevalent in the eastern part of the country; poison oak is more prevalent in the southeastern part of the country.

Poison ivy is characterized by red, itchy bumps and blisters that appear in the area that came into contact with the plant. The rash begins one to two days after exposure. The rash first appears in curved lines and will clear up on its own in 14 to 21 days.

Treatment for poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac is designed to relieve the itching and may include oral antihistamines and cortisone creams (either over-the-counter or prescription). These treatments need to be applied before blisters appear or after the blisters have dried up to be effective. In severe cases, oral steroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed.

The best form of prevention is to recognize and avoid contact with the plants. This can be difficult because these plants tend to grow around other vegetation. These three poison plants can be distinguished by their classic three-leaf formation. To avoid contact with these plants, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking outdoors and keep to the trails. Tuck the ends of your sleeves into gloves and the bottom of your pants into socks so that no area of skin on your arms or legs is exposed. If you think you have come into contact with a poison plant, wash the area of skin with cool water as quickly as possible to help limit the reaction. Also, wash the clothing you were wearing immediately after exposure.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is a Dermatologist?
  • Anatomy of the Skin
  • Skin Care Topics
    • Sun Safety
    • Skin Care Basics
    • Tanning Beds/Tanning Booths
    • Tattoos
    • Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions
    • Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
    • Skin Cancers
  • Skin Conditions
    • Acne
    • Rosacea
    • Head Lice
    • Rashes
    • Eczema (Dermatitis)
    • Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts
    • Psoriasis
    • Blisters
    • Vitiligo
    • Pruritus
    • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
    • Lichen Simplex Chronicus
    • Scleroderma
    • Keratosis Pilaris
    • Hives (Urticaria)
    • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
    • Wrinkles
    • Birthmarks/Pigmented Skin
  • Skin Growths
    • Seborrheic Keratosis
    • Moles (Nevi)
    • Warts
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  • Skin Infections
    • Herpes Simplex Virus
    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    • Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
    • Impetigo
    • Erysipelas
    • Chicken Pox (Herpes Varicella Zoster)
    • Cellulitis
    • Candidiasis
    • Boils
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    • Lyme Disease
    • Folliculitis
    • Scabies
    • Intertrigo
    • Granuloma

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Our Location

Santa Barbara, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2320 Bath Street, Suite 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 569-1164
Dermatologist in Santa Barbara, CA Call For Pricing Options
 
Solvang, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2028 Village Ln. Suite 201
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4236
Dermatologist in Solvang, CA Call For Pricing Options
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Office Hours

Santa Barbara
Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 05:00 PM  
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Solvang
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 04:30 PM 
   
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