Poison sumac plants contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol, which triggers a reaction when it comes in contact with the skin. The sap can live in the ashes of burned sumac plants, on an animal, or on other objects that came in contact with the plant. Remedies for poison sumac consist of eliminating the oily sap and treating the symptoms.
Wash the Skin
Wash the exposed skin area immediately with soap and water because the oil from the plant enters the skin quickly.The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that washing the area off within 30 minutes can prevent a reaction. The rash doesn't spread by the fluid in the blisters. Therefore, washing the oil completely off the skin and scrubbing under the fingernails with a brush helps in preventing the plant oil from spreading to other parts of the body.
Wash Contaminated Clothing
The oil from the plant can linger on clothing or objects and cause a skin rash later on if not properly cleaned. Washing any contaminated objects or clothing separately in hot, soapy water stops the spreading of the oil.
Bathing
Bathing in lukewarm water with an oatmeal bath product may soothe itchy skin. Aluminum acetate, also known as Domeboro solution, dries out the rash and reduces itching by soothing the inflammation, and it also cleanses the irritated skin when applied as a wet dressing or compress.
Stay Cool
Body heat and sweating can aggravate the itching; therefore, keep the body cool by taking a cool shower or by applying cool compresses to the affected area.
Lotions
An over-the-counter lotion, such as calamine lotion, helps relieve the extreme itching that the oil causes.
Antihistamines
If creams, lotions or bathing don't provide itch relief, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help relieve the itching.
Prescription Medications
In severe cases, a health care provider may prescribe topical steroidal creams or steroids, either taken by mouth or given by injection, especially if the rash involves the mucus membranes found around the face, including in the eyes, nose, mouth and genitals area. Cleveland Clinic notes that most rashes caused by poison sumac last from five to 12 days and in severe cases, the rash can last for 30 days or longer. An infection may transpire in a long-occurring rash and require antibiotics for treatment. Signs of an infection include a fever, yellow fluid leaking from the blisters, odor and increased tenderness in the affected area.
Emergency Care
A life-threatening allergic reaction that includes swelling or difficulty breathing may occur with the ingestion of the oily sap or breathing in the smoke during the burning of a plant. Obtain emergency care when experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
