How to Treat Poison Sumac

Look for and avoid poison sumac when hiking or camping in the marshes of the Southeast, the standing water in the Northeast and the peat bogs of the Midwest. Exposure to poison sumac results in contact dermatitis, whose symptoms can take three weeks to disappear. If you are affected, the following may help those three weeks to be a bit more bearable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Epsom Salts
• Baking Soda
• Calamine Lotions
• Poison Oak-ivy Protective Lotion
• Poison Oak-ivy Soap
• Rubbing Alcohol

1. Wash everything that might have touched the plant immediately. You may be able to take off the offending oil completely or at least reduce the impending rash.
2. Soothe itching with cool, wet compresses.
3. Add ground oatmeal (approximately 5 c.) or baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Add baking soda or Epsom salts to your bath, or make a paste of either of these and apply it to the rash.
5. Opt for lotions containing calamine, alcohol and zinc acetate; these will dry the blisters and help speed healing.
6. Leave the rash open to air. That will help it heal.
7. Talk to your doctor about taking an oral antihistamine if you're extremely uncomfortable or if the rash covers a large area of your body.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid topical antihistamines; they aren't as effective and can cause a rash of their own in some people.
• Wash all clothing, tools and anything else that came in contact with the plant. The oil can remain active for a long time on inanimate objects.
• Avoid breaking the rash blisters. They can become infected if you do.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend that you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.