Difference Between Regular and Poison Sumac
There are a number of species of sumac, all of them in the family Anacardiaceae or cashew family. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is in the same genus as poison ivy and poison oak. Humans should avoid poison sumac because contact with it can cause an allergic rash in most people. Other species of sumac, which fall under the genus Rhus, do not cause such a reaction and some are cultivated for gardening or other purposes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Distribution
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Poison sumac, which grows in wetlands, is found in much of the eastern United States and parts of eastern Canada and the Midwest. Sumacs in the genus Rhus have a wider distribution, being found not only in the United States but other temperate and tropical areas around the world. Unlike poison sumac, they do not require wet areas to grow and some species are drought-resistant.
Description
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Sumacs grow as shrubs or small trees. Poison sumac has red stems and compound leaves with seven to thirteen leaflets, which often have black spots. It also produces whitish or yellowish berries. Other species of sumac likewise have compound leaves that are about a foot long with a shiny green upper side and a whitish underside and they produce small white flowers and red berries. The brilliant fall foliage of some species has led to their cultivation as ornamental plants.
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Allergic Rash
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Poison sumac contains urushiol oil. Contact with even extremely minute quantities of this oil will provoke an allergic rash in as many as 90 percent of people. Symptoms of poison sumac contamination include red streaks, itching, bumps and oozing blisters in the affected area. Fortunately, a rash caused by contact with poison sumac will not spread to other areas of the body and cannot be transmitted to others, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Precautions
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One should learn to recognize poison sumac and avoid contact with it. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advises those working in areas where poison sumac is growing to wear protective clothing, including gloves, long-sleeve shirts, pants and boots. Anyone who touches poison sumac should scrub contaminated body parts with soap and water. Clothing and other objects that come into contact with poison sumac should likewise be washed thoroughly. NIOSH recommends cleaning contaminated tools with rubbing alcohol. Furthermore, because inhaling smoke from burning poison sumac can cause lung irritation, NIOSH advises against burning the plant.
Treatment
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If a rash occurs after contact with poison sumac, home remedies, such as cool showers and oatmeal baths, as well as over-the-counter treatments, including calamine lotion and antihistamines such as Benadryl, may help relieve the irritation. See a doctor if the rash persists in spite of these remedies. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience swelling of the tongue or throat, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing or other severe reactions.
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References
- Photo Credit Sumac image by Valeriy82 from Fotolia.com
