How to Avoid Poison Sumac
Poison sumac, a cousin to the infamous poison ivy and oak plants, causes a rash if it makes contact with the skin. Whenever you're outdoors, be on the lookout for poison sumac and avoid its itchy snare.
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Things You'll Need
- Athletic Socks
- Hiking Boots
- Long Pants
- Long-sleeved Shirts
- Dog Shampoo
- Poison Ivy/oak Killer
- Poison Oak-ivy Protective Lotion
- Poison Oak-ivy Soap
Instructions
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Learn to identify habitats in which poison sumac is likely to be found. Poison sumac grows in the moist and marsh-like habitats of the Southeast and in standing water in the Northeast's and Midwest's peat bogs.
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Learn to identify the leaves of poison sumac, which grows on a bush or shrub. Unlike the three-leafleted poison oak and poison ivy, the leaves of poison sumac each have groups of 7 to 13 leaflets.
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Wear a pre-exposure armor lotion on exposed parts of the body to minimize the effects of poison sumac should contact occur.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin when hiking in an area populated by poison sumac.
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Wear socks and hiking boots to protect ankles and feet.
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6
Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water immediately following contact, or use a special soap formulated to wash resins of poison sumac from skin and clothing. Such soaps are available in sporting goods stores and outdoor equipment stores.
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Wash clothes and shoelaces with a mild soap and dry them in the sun if you make contact with poison sumac while backpacking.
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Wash clothes and shoelaces immediately following a hike in an area populated with poison sumac, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
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Shower and wash your hair thoroughly after being in an area where poison sumac is present, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Since dogs can easily carry the oil on their coats for hours after exposure, reduce contact until Rover has had a bath.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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Comments
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Pay attention please....
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Mar 30, 2006
The berries on the poisonous variety of Sumac are a light yellowish green and the non-poisonous variety, often used in landscaping, are red. -
Mar 30, 2006
The berries on the poisonous variety of Sumac are a light yellowish green and the non-poisonous variety, often used in landscaping, are red.
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Nov 22, 2005
Break a branch or leaf stem, if black juice comes out you have posion sumac.
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Nov 22, 2005
Break a branch or leaf stem, if black juice comes out you have posion sumac.
