How do I know I have it? (Symptoms and Diagnosis)

A red, itchy rash will eventually produce blisters that break open, crust, and soon heal.

With a severe reaction you may have a fever, headache, swelling (body, throat, eyes) and/or a general feeling of discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Typically, the rash will first appear on the face and then on other commonly exposed parts of the body, such as the arms and legs, but any part of the body can be affected if it has come in contact with the urushiol.

Thankfully, the rash rarely appears on the scalp, the palms of your hands, or the soles of your feet because the skin in these areas is thicker, so the oil cannot absorb easily into the skin.

Diagnosis is made through visual inspection of the rash, and by discussing possible exposure to the plant with your doctor.

How can I treat it? (Treatments)

The only sure cure for a reaction to poison sumac is time. Thanks to modern medicine, there are several treatments that can make you more comfortable as the rash runs its course.

An over-the-counter oral antihistamine such as Benadryl can help relieve itching, as can applying cool cloths soaked in Epsom salts or baking soda to affected areas.

Pamper yourself by taking plenty of lukewarm or cool baths. Afterward, dab on some Calamine lotion to help dry blisters. Finally, cover the rash with sterile gauze. Do not use a topical antihistamine because it can actually make the condition worse.

If you are having a tough time coping with the rash, or if it appears on your face, genital area, or is widespread (covering 20% of the body or more), see your doctor immediately for treatment.

Severe reactions are commonly treated with oral prescription medicines like prednisone. Treatment must be started within several hours to be effective, so if you have had a severe reaction in the past to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, see your doctor right away.

Avoid scratching if you can. Although scratching will not spread the rash, it can cause complications such as infection and even nerve damage.

How can I prevent it? (Prevention)

The best way to prevent a reaction to poison sumac is to avoid the plant by learning to recognize it.

Poison sumac grows as a shrub, has between seven and 13 leaflets with smooth edges, and glossy pale cream or yellow berries. Always steer clear of leaves with black spots on them, since this is a sign that urushiol is present.

Before going outdoors, plan ahead. Wear long sleeves, pants, long socks, and shoes whenever possible.

There are two products on the market, IvyBlock and StokoGard, that when applied to the skin 15 minutes before exposure, can actually stop the oil from absorbing into the skin and preventing the miserable rash.

If you do happen to come in contact with poison sumac, you can avoid a painful allergic reaction by taking these steps:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: I'm not the outdoor type. Can I still get poison sumac?

A: Yes. The urushiol, which is what causes the rash, easily adheres to pets, clothing, and other objects. So even if you stay indoors, you can still be exposed to the allergen.

Q: Does scratching spread the rash?

A: No, but scratching the rash can cause an infection, which will make you even more miserable and require treatment with antibiotics.

Q: Is the rash contagious?

A: No, and this is a very common assumption. Simply rubbing up against someone with a rash as a result of poison sumac, ivy, or oak, will not spread it, unless there is residual urushiol on the skin.

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