Poison Ivy ========== þ Also known as Rhus (old name) or Toxicodendron species þ Treatment: - If severe, recommend treating for 10-14 days with prednisone AND - continue steroid cream as needed for up to a month, AND - FU with dermatologist if not better in a month þ The "black spot test" - As an adjunct to classic methods of plant identification, one can use this test to identify members of the Toxicodendron species. Several leaves from the offending plant can be crushed on a piece of white paper (carefully, so as not to contaminate your fingers or clothes!). If the sap stain markedly darkens within a few minutes, the plant is very likely to be a Toxicodendron. Reference: Tintinalli 3rd ed. p 867