rhus dermatitis /ro̅o̅s/ [Gk, rhous, sumac] , a form of contact dermatitis caused by exposure to an allergenic oil, toxicodendrol, present in any part of a plant of the genus Rhus such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Contact with a rhus plant can result in severe itching, rashes, and blistering. Even the smoke of burning rhus plants may be toxic. See also contact dermatitis.
