Sumac Rash

In many wet regions of southeast and midwest regions of United States, a highly noxious weed called the poison sumac is found. Poison sumac or Toxicodendron vernix is closely related weed to poison ivy and poison oak plant. Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree that is about 30 feet in height. This weed grows in extremely wet areas like swamps. When a person comes in contact with the plant, it results in such a rash.

Identification of the Plant
One can identify the plant by its compound leaves. The leaf stalk is reddish or gray in color and has 7 and 13 leaflets per stem. The leaves are smooth that are about 5 to 15 inches in length. In fall, the leaves turn orange or scarlet in color. The flowers and fruits are produced in spring and summer. The flowers of poison sumac are yellowish-green in color. The leaves of this plant have red veins and bears white or gray berries.

What is Sumac Rash?
It is produced due to an allergy produced after the skin comes in contact with the plant. An oily toxicant called urushiol is produced by the plant. This urushiol causes severe skin irritation and the severity depends on an individual's reaction to the oil. The oil can come in contact with the skin through contact with leaves, stems, fruits, roots or flowers. Also, clothing, tools, objects or animals that come in contact with the plant can cause this rash. When the sumac plant is burned, the oil is emitted into air and can cause severe poisoning cases in those who inhale the smoke. Inhalation of oil needs immediate treatment. It cannot be transmitted by coming in contact with oozing blisters. It is only transmitted by coming in contact with urushiol.

Identification of the Rash
In about 85% of individuals, the urushiol can cause an allergic skin reaction. Only a few lucky individuals may not develop any kind of reaction or symptom. The symptoms of poison sumac will be visible within a few hours after contact or even 2 to 5 days later. The typical poison rash appears after 1 or 2 days of contact. The symptoms of rash include:

• A skin rash in form of blisters that is in a line.
• The blisters may burst and ooze.
• The oozing blisters dry and form crusts.
• Swelling in area of contact.
• Raised or flat red blotches.
• Intense skin itching.

In case of severe rash, symptoms may include fever, stomach cramps, nausea and swelling throughout the body. It is very important to seek medical help.

Treatment
Once the reaction begins, there is no specific poison sumac rash treatment. However, there are ways to relieve the symptoms of poison rash treatment. The first thing to do is washing off and drying the skin to remove the oils after contact. You can use over the counter anti-itch creams that contain zinc acetate, zinc oxide or hydrocortisone for mild red bumps, blisters and itching. You can even make a paste of baking soda, aloe or jewel weed plant sap and apply it on the affected area.

In case of severe reaction, consult for medical help. If you observe swelling, pain and warmth around the affected contact area, it means you have developed an infection. You will need medical help and the doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream. To avoid infection never ever scratch the blisters with your fingernails.

You should learn to identify poison sumac plant and avoid coming in contact. You should wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves when you know you may be at risk of coming in contact with poison sumac. You should wash all clothes, tools and anything that may have come in contact with the plant to avoid accidental contact. Remove sumac plants by using herbicides available in the market.