Plant dermatitis is a common pathology that plagues those who work and recreate in the North American outdoors. The most common plant family to cause dermatitis is the Toxicodendron genus, which includes the plants known by the common names of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. While mortality is usually quite low for this pathology, the incidence and prevalence of the disease leads to substantial healthcare burden and financial implications across the population. The mainstays of treatment have focused on prevention, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

Contact dermatitis caused by the sap of plants from the Anacardiaceae family, including poison ivy, oak, and sumac, is among the most common skin conditions in the United States. The author reports the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with numerous vesicles and flaccid bullae on erythematous bases on his right volar wrist; smaller areas of vesiculation on his trunk and legs, several of which displayed a linear configuration; and erythema and swelling on and around his penis. The patient was diagnosed with Toxicodendron contact dermatitis caused by exposure to poison ivy. The author describes symptoms, assessment methods, and differential diagnoses, as well as provides a brief review of pathologic and etiologic factors, epidemiology, and treatment approaches for cutaneous dermatitis caused by contact with poison ivy and related plants. The author also provides an brief history, recommended therapies, and notable physical characteristics of poison ivy, with the final takeaway point-Clinicians should educate their patients on how to identify, and, thus, avoid, contact with these highly irritating plants.