Poison ivy - oak - sumac dermatitis in Child
See also in: External and Internal EyeAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Black dot (or black spot) poison ivy is the presence of black residue on the skin surface that occurs when a high concentration of urushiol contacts the skin and undergoes oxidization in the presence of moisture.
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac dermatitis can occur in people of all races and ethnicities and ages, although elderly individuals and very young children may be less susceptible. Pruritus is often severe. Scratching does not spread the eruption: vesicles and plaques first appear at sites of contact with high concentrations of antigen and then, as the immune response increases, skin that has contacted lower antigen concentrations becomes involved. The contact dermatitis will persist for 3-4 weeks if not treated.
Codes
ICD10CM:L23.7 – Allergic contact dermatitis due to plants, except food
SNOMEDCT:
200823002 – Allergic dermatitis due to poison ivy
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Consider other causes of allergic contact dermatitis, including other plants. Mangos contain an antigen that cross-reacts with poison ivy oil and may result in perioral contact dermatitis.
- Hogweed dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Nummular dermatitis
- Bullous impetigo
- Cellulitis or erysipelas
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection – Lesions often coalesce on a red base, usually periorificial; there is often a prodrome of pain and burning. HSV may be associated with fever, malaise, and tender lymphadenopathy. Viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) will reveal the virus.
- Herpes zoster – Localized to dermatomes, grouped vesicles and bullae on a red base with a history of varicella. Viral PCR and DFA will reveal the virus.
- Arthropod bites or stings
- Scabies can also have vesicles and be extremely pruritic, but it is usually symmetric and involves areas protected by clothing.
- Phytophotodermatitis from exposure to limes or other psoralen-containing plants
- Melanocytic lesions, including melanoma
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Last Reviewed:03/05/2017
Last Updated:11/10/2022
Last Updated:11/10/2022
Poison ivy - oak - sumac dermatitis in Child
See also in: External and Internal Eye