Poison sumac, along with poison ivy and poison oak, contains a compound called urushiol that can cause an allergic skin reaction in susceptible individuals. While there is no cure for the rash caused by contact with this plant, treatments are available that can lessen symptoms. Fortunately, for those allergic to urishiol, prevention can help keep this noncontagious rash from developing in the first place.
Identification
Poison sumac grows as a bush or small tree. The branches contain rows of seven to 13 paired leaflets with a final single leaflet at the end and a red rachis, the stem supporting the leaves. The leaves may have small black blotches or may simply be green. Poison sumac can be found in swamps of the Southeast or in the Midwest and Northeast, where it grows in shallow standing-water areas such as peat bogs.
Reaction
While many people react to poison sumac, about 15 to 30 percent of the population never develop an allergy to the plant, according to DrGreene.com. In those who are allergic, a skin response generally develops between eight and 72 hours after contact. Most people start to see symptoms within 12 to 48 hours. The reaction begins as an itchy, red rash and later develops into blisters. Blisters may continue to develop on the skin for a week or more after exposure and the entire reaction lasts about two weeks.
Contact Methods
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are three possible ways that someone can come in contact with the urushiol in poison sumac leaves. Directly touching the plant is the most common method of contact. Indirect contact occurs when someone touches an item or surface that has come in contact with poison sumac and encounters traces of urushiol that were left behind. This can include clothing, outdoor sports equipment, gardening tools or the fur of pets. A third way to contract a poison sumac rash is to get urushiol on the skin when someone burns the plant and particles get into the air.
Treatment
Treatment for poison sumac involves reducing the itchiness and dampening the allergic reaction to the plant. Cool compresses or ice applied to the affected area can help relieve itching. Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone may also help ease symptoms. In severe cases, an oral steroid such as prednisone may be prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention
Preventing a reaction to poison sumac mainly involves keeping away from the urushiol it produces. This means washing clothing, toys, pets and other possible sources of contact thoroughly with soap and water. It also means learning to recognize and avoid the plant in the first place and wearing long sleeves and pants or other protective clothing when outdoors in areas where poison sumac grows. In addition, skin creams containing bentoquatum are available over-the-counter that can protect the skin from urushiol.
