What Is Poison Sumac?
As the name indicates, Poison Sumac is a poisonous plant. It is widely present in the northern and eastern parts of the U.S. Though found rarely, the plant is quite popular in Florida. So, if you go hiking, do not forget to wear well-covered clothes. A slight touch of Poison Sumac can cause a good deal of rashes. These rashes can prove to be problematic as well. So, the symptoms need to be spotted and treated as soon as possible.
These plants commonly grow in swamps and marshy areas. You will find these plants in hardwood and pinewood forests. Of course, we cannot avoid encountering these troublesome plants on our hiking or cycling trips. But, we can surely dodge the unwanted effects that it causes. You can do this by knowing several facts about this rare plant. So, why wait? Let us delve into the Poison Sumac nitty-gritty!
What Does This Plant Seem to Be?
The first question that comes to mind after knowing this unique plant's name is how it appears to be? You need to understand the plant's appearance. It will help you to keep yourself away from it.
- Well, Poison Sumac is unique for its compound leaves. You'll get the leaves in pairs. At the stem top, there's only a single leaf. These leaves are generally 12 inches in length.
- You will know these leaves by their oval shape and pin-point tops.
- Even though these plants are called shrubs, they can grow pretty tall. Some Poison Sumac plants are as tall as 20 feet!
- One of the very characteristic features of this plant is its reddish stem. One thing to note is that these plants also have non-poisonous species. These relatives do not have red stems. So, whenever you see a plant with oval, pointed leaves having red stems, be assured of it being a Poison Sumac.
- With time, the stems of Poison Sumac tend to lose their red color. Eventually, it becomes dark brown, resembling the plant bark.
- The stems of Poison Sumac are flexible. These bend down as the tree grows in size. It increases its chances of contact with any passerby. So, look out for the spreading stems!
- Yet another interesting fact about this shrub is its berries. Yes, the poison plant produces delicious-looking berries! But wait. Are these safe for consumption? A big no. These yellowish berries are not fit for our diet. Well, these may prove to be safe for birds and small animals. But not for us. These berries may also pass on the abrasive oil of the plant. So, better keep away from these.
- The non-poisonous versions of these plants come with red berries on them. These berries are conical in shape. And yes, these are safe to eat. Rhus and Typhina varieties have red berries.
- Poison Sumac berries look like loose green peas. These are very small in size and grow in clusters. But on close observation, the berries look weird. Before all else, the berries are not round in shape. These are tapered fruits that the birds eat during the wintertime.
- You will see varieties of the color of the Poison Sumac plant during fall time. These colors can range from yellow to red. Isn't that colorful? Yes, it is. But it is better to enjoy this sight from a distance. It should be kept in mind that Poison Sumac produces the oil even when it is devoid of the leaves. So, keeping away from the plant at all times is advisable.
Similar Plants: Poison Sumac Relatives
Now that we know what a Poison Sumac is, knowing the other two plants that share the first part of its name becomes imperative. The two kins of Poison Sumac share some noteworthy similarities with it. You cannot miss noting them. So, without wasting time, let us delve into the information.
- The plants that share similarities with Poison Sumac Are Poison ivy and Poison oak.
- Staghorn Sumac is another sort of this plant. But the plus point is it is harmless. It is the plant that has red berries in its supply.
- The similarity that's unmissable is the poison that constitutes these plants. These three plants consist of rash-promoting urushiol oil.
- The only point of difference is its structures. The appearance of the plants differs from each other. But the effects do not. Poison ivy has two leaves in pairs while one single leaf is at the top. Usually, its edges are lobular. The Poison oak is not much different from the former one. The only difference is that its leaves are longer with a hairy texture. In this aspect, these resemble oak leaves.
- There is no scope for confusion here. These plants are from the same genus known as Toxicodendron. And as the name promotes, these are all toxic shrubs.
Symptoms: A Signal for Treating Poison Sumac Irritation
Needless to say, getting to know the symptoms will save you from serious infections caused by Poison Sumac. Some precautions need notice. Scratching the affected area increases the chances of bacterial infection. The blister can break open and cause unwanted issues. And yes, consult a doctor if the irritation gets out of hand. So, keeping the two things in mind, let us move on.
You will understand it's a nothing other than Poison Sumac if your skin has these highlights:
- The plant produces an irritable oil called Urushiol. So, if your skin comes in contact with the sticky oil of Poison Sumac, then you might face allergic reactions. One of the well-known reactions is contact dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis ushers itchy and red patches around the affected portion of the skin. There are two sorts of contact dermatitis: irritant dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. It can trigger both of these. You need to rely on an expert's advice to discern the type of dermatitis.
- These symptoms will not appear immediately. Generally, the rashes get amplified after 8 to 48 hours.
- The rash caused by Poison Sumac is non-transmissible. But the allergy can spread if the oil passes from one person to the other. So, you need to wash your affected area with a dishwashing liquid and cool water to clean up the oil mess.
- The effects of the symptoms maybe after a long time. These effects may include a burning sensation accompanied by itchiness and water-filled blisters. These after-effects prove to be pretty painful. It can affect your daily routine and distract your mind considerably.
If you are an adventurous person or someone who needs to go out on swamps for your work, you need to take these particulars seriously.
Things to Do If Poison Sumac Affects You
Yes, some helpful ways can assist you in knocking off the disturbing effects of this plant. You can rely on home-based remedies or get help from a skin specialist. Without waiting for the reaction to give a peek, resort to these remedies. You should remember that rashes can take a long time to become visible in these cases.
- Gently wash the affected area with a degreasing liquid or soap. It washes off the sticky Urushiol from the skin surface.
- Also, clean up your hands and fingernails thoroughly with the same process. If there is any oil in the fingernails, this can transfer to the eyes, causing triggering results.
- Well, rashes generally disappear with proper care. So, if you apply certain over-the-counter solutions, it will help you to deal effectively with this problem. Applying lotions and creams proves to be pretty beneficial. Creams containing hydrocortisone help well. Also, you can consult a doctor and apply calamine lotion to the rash. These are some remedies that will not disappoint you.
- Anesthetics that you can apply topically are great as well. Anesthetics such as benzocaine and menthol help immensely.
- You can see a doctor and opt for an oral medication too. Benadryl helps in these cases.
- These creams and anesthetics are also helpful for treating flea-based irritation. So, do not hesitate to give these a try! There's a special tip for you. You can rely on an oatmeal bath in such cases. This reduces the itching sensation well. So, mix a bowl of Quaker oats to warm water and apply it to the affected area. The anti-oxidant qualities of oatmeal do wonders! Even baking soda is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. The website of Healthline recommends mixing 12 tablespoons of warm water with four tablespoons of soda.
- Applying this paste to the affected skin would soothe the area and provide you with relief. A bath with baking soda also helps. This sort of bath not only helps with poison ivy infections but also with other issues like Eczema and Psoriasis.
But this bath is not advised for some people. Women who are breastfeeding, people with high blood pressure, or people who are dependent on certain drugs cannot use this remedy to their advantage. A baking soda bath is not recommended for open wounds. So, use it if you have not scratched out the affected area. If you have really sensitive skin, a test with a skin patch should be followed before directly using the cream on the affected area. Sometimes, applying baking soda to the affected part of sensitive skin leads to more trouble than good.
- Konjac ceramide is a plant tuber that vastly helps to reduce allergies. Research states that the application of this ceramide improved skin problems. It is helpful to reduce atopic dermatitis.
- Some helpful herbs that you can apply to this rash are basil, coriander, and neem leaves. These are Ayurvedic plants that help with all sorts of skin problems.
Some Precautions to Follow
Precautions are what save you from imminent danger. So, you ought to follow some of these in the case of Poison Sumac as well. Yes, Poison Sumac may not be contagious or as poisonous as the venom of a rattlesnake. But you have to get rid of the discomfort and irritation that the plant causes. This irritation can affect your concentration levels badly. Nobody wants a continuous itching reaction. So, let us get some idea of the precautions that we can add up to our list. Stay tuned for these essentials!
- Firstly, prefer clothes that have full sleeves. Wear boots and gloves whenever you decide to go to any area surrounded by these trees.
- Always remember to wash your clothes with a mixture of detergent and warm water.
- Protective skin ointments help too. Bentoquatum is a commonly used lotion that shields the skin from the annoying effects of the leave's resin. But this cream is only useful to create a layer over the skin. But if you want to treat yourself after getting the blisters, it won't be of much use. You can find this in any medical store without requiring a doctor's prescription.
- Another fact that should always be kept in mind is the cleansing of tools. Dabbing the tools with a splash of alcohol rids them of any oil received from Poison Sumac. If you do not clean your tools, the oil can remain on them for a long time. So, it is advisable to wear gloves and clean the tools well.
- Burning these leaves is not a good option either. These plants are toxic. So, if you burn these, the smoke produced might be harmful to the lungs. It would amplify respiratory problems in people who already have Asthma.
- If someone works with these poisonous shrubs, it is recommended to wear a particulate respirator. An N95 respirator is most recommended. These masks help to filter nearly 95% of airborne molecules. Using these masks properly and wearing them throughout one handling of these leaves would prove to be fruitful. So, give it a chance. You'll be benefited to an extent.
What Are The 3 Sorts of Transmission of Poison Sumac's Poison?
The poisonous oil of Poison Sumac can be transferred in 3 different ways. Let us have a look at that.
- If your skin brushes directly with Poison Sumac's leaves.
- The oil can also be transferred indirectly from your pets or tools used in gardening. An object that contacts the plant is not safe to touch with bare hands.
- Urushiol can also impact you through airborne contact. If you burn the Poison Sumac leaves or sniff its oil, then you might face respiratory problems or unbearable irritation in the sensitive parts of the face like the eyes, nose, etc.
If you get in touch with Poison Sumac in any of these ways and face extremities of infection, do see a doctor. Otherwise, bacterial diseases are in close quarters.
When Do You Need a Doctor?
If you follow the given precautions and homemade medications after being affected with Poison Sumac, you are on the safe side. But many people are hypersensitive to the reaction of Poison Sumac's oil. This triggers problems more than the expected dosage. In such cases, one should take a doctor's help without any delay. You should visit a doctor in these cases:
- If the rash keeps on spreading consistently to the other parts of the body like the genitals or face
- If you feel that the irritation has taken the form of an infection. At times, the affected area no longer remains a rash, it turns out to be an entry point for bacteria.
- If you have scratched the blister and opened it, you need to consult a doctor.
- If you suffer from a high fever that goes up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The doctor's prescription usually consists of effective topical steroids or antibiotics. These would surely be very effective when used.
So, do not delay and call 911 or visit your nearest hospital if you face such issues. Two of these issues are to be noted:
- Oozing pus from blisters
- Lung irritation by inhaling the smoke emitted by the burning of the poison plant. Severe soughing may occur also by inhaling the oil of this plant.
The Final Statement
Now that we know what a Poison Sumac looks like, how it affects us, and what are its symptoms and treatments, it becomes easier for us to deal with it. People who work or live in forested areas, need to be extra alert. They need to follow these guidelines whenever they go to collect wood from the forest or simply have a walk.
However, the positive point is that the irritation cannot be transferred from one person to another. If you follow these precautions and treat the infection as mentioned, the chances of complications are very less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Rash of Poison Sumac Heal by Itself?
Yes, the rashes generally disappear in 3 weeks. Rashes by Poison Sumac go away on their own if you do not trigger them unnecessarily. Scratching the affected portion would lead to an open blister. An open blister means a bacterial infection. So, leave it and let it heal naturally. However, if you follow some home remedies, your healing will accelerate.
Is Poison Sumac More Poisonous Than Poison Oak and Poison Ivy?
The website of OhioHealth states that Poison Sumac is the most toxic among these plants. Yes, it contains the same irritable oil that Poison ivy and Poison oak contain, but the plant is rare. But, do not think it is a positive note. Always take precautions whenever you visit a forest area. Look out for this plant for the effects it causes are serious.
What Does a Poison Sumac Rash Appear Like?
Poison Sumac rashes are red. These are small, red, raised blisters. At times the blisters are pus-filled. In either of the cases, do not scratch it. It will trigger the pain. These blisters can spread from one person to another if the Urushiol persists on your skin. So, better wash the affected area with a mild soap.
What's The Quickest Way to Get Rid of Poison Sumac Allergy?
There are several ways to get rid of these rashes. But if you apply a cool compress to the affected area, it will give you instant relief for a while. This would relieve you of the burning sensation that the rash accompanies. Other medications such as topical and oral antihistamines are helpful as well. Benadryl is the best of them. But taking the advice of a doctor before applying these is advisable.
Is It Advisable to Cover Up Rashes Caused by Poison Sumac?
No, it is not right to bandage the wound caused by Poison Sumac. These sorts of wounds heal better when left open. Air assists in the healing process. So, apply an ointment and leave the space open.
How Can You Dry Up Poison Sumac Rash Faster?
Applying alcohol is the best way to dry up rashes caused by this plant. Drying up the wound can accelerate the healing process. If you do not have alcohol handy, then use apple cider vinegar. This works as efficiently as alcohol.
What Soap Is Best to Wash the Affected Area That Has Poison Sumac Oil?
Not all soaps are recommended to wash the oil of the plant. Some of the soaps may be ineffective to wash the oil well. While some may prove to be very strong to the affected area and trigger the burning sensation. A good soap that you can apply to the affected area is Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid. This product acts as a great degreasing liquid. So, use it for better results.
How Long Do These Rashes Persist?
Generally, rashes caused by this poison plant remain for approximately 15 days. If you take proper care and rest, the wound goes away quickly. But, when you tend to scratch the area persistently, infections may occur and prolong the healing process. In such cases, the infection may take quite a while to heal. Here, your rash may remain for up to 30 days!
What Happens If You Pop These Blisters?
Popping blisters of any sort is never advisable. An open wound is a pathway for various kinds of bacteria. At times, the popping of Poison Sumac blisters leads to blood poisoning. So, leave the wound by itself. It is the natural process of healing that should not be disturbed.
References
- Cafasso, J. (2017), Identifying and Treating a Poison Sumac Rash, healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/poison-sumac
- Frothingham, S. (2018), Skin Allergy Home Remedies, healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-allergy-home-remedy#remedies
- Jaliman, D. (2020), Guide to Poisonous Plants, WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-poison-plants-guide
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-118/default.html
- Mayo Clinic Staff - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bentoquatam-topical-route/description/drg-20062189
- Medina, J. (2022), What Does Poison Sumac Look Like? Everything You Need to Know About Identifying Poison Sumac - https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-does-poison-sumac-look-like/
