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.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Wear a pre-exposure armor lotion on exposed parts of the body to minimize the effects of poison sumac should contact occur.

4. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin when hiking in an area populated by poison sumac.

5. Wear socks and hiking boots to protect ankles and feet.

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.

7. Wash clothes and shoelaces with a mild soap and dry them in the sun if you make contact with poison sumac while backpacking.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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.