How to identify and treat poison oak, ivy, and sumac rashes

Table of Content

• Everything you need to know about poison sumac
• When to see a doctor
• Pictures of poison sumac
• Why they cause a rash
• 9 Common Household Items That Can Unstick Your Stuck Zipper

There is probably no more common ingredient found in every household than baking soda. Baking soda makes an excellent poison sumac home remedy due to its drying and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, because it is alkaline, it helps to reduce the acidic burning produced by the urushiol oil. Poison sumac, or Toxicodendron vernix, is more closely related to poison ivy and poison oak than other sumac plants. However, poison sumac is less common than poison ivy and poison oak.

The presence of protein in oatmeal makes it one of the most potent remedies to purge poison ivy rashes on your skin, face. Oatmeal protein builds up a protective wall over your affected skin. On the other hand, the saponin composite present in Oatmeal is instrumental to detoxify your rashes.

Everything you need to know about poison sumac

It is abundant along the swampy regions of the Southeast and the Mississippi River . Poison oak is mostly found as a small bush or as a climbing vine in the West or the Rockies. It is characterized by smooth-edged leaves that appear in a cluster in groups of three, five or seven. Developing patches or streaks of red, raised blisters. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff.

Wash an exposed pet with pet shampoo and water while wearing rubber gloves. Although pets are not sensitive to poison plants, petting them can expose someone to the oil on the fur and produce a reaction. For further itching relief, take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine . If a child has come into contact with a poison plant, it is advisable to ask a pediatrician about dosage.

When to see a doctor

An allergic reaction to the plant’s oil called urushiol is the cause for the rash. If you do come in contact with poison sumac, clean the area immediately with cool, soapy water and avoid scratching. Urushiol oil takes about 30 minutes to enter the skin. As soon as possible after you've come into contact with the plant, take a shower with soap and cool water.

The rash and itching usually get better gradually and go away completely in two to three weeks. Treatment should be continued for at least this long because the rash can come back if medicines are stopped too soon. There may be temporary darkening of the skin when the rash disappears. Poison ivy, medications, foods, and chemicals can all cause allergic reactions and rashes. This product aims to relieve itchiness caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. In addition to treatment for poison ivy, it is sometimes used to soothe irritated skin from things like bee stings, dermatitis, and other rashes.

Pictures of poison sumac

A dermatologist can treat your rash and any infection and help relieve the itch. Or you picnicked with friends, or took your dog for a walk, or… well, whatever you did, you’re now itchy, splotchy and covered in little red bumps. Poison ivy rash is easily spread — on your body and even from pets to humans.

However, if the rash is severe or if someone is having trouble breathing, they should get immediate medical attention. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. If not washed off, the oil can spread from person to person and to other areas of your body.

What does poison sumac rash look like?

You can apply the liquid to your skin with a cotton ball to reduce itching and swelling. Place the witch hazel in the refrigerator ahead of time for an added cooling effect. Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface.

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.

Repeat this a couple of times daily until the rash is gone. Reapply this paste as often as necessary to gain relief. Apply the paste over the rash and allow it to dry in place.

Even if you miss the 30-minute window, showering will remove the oil from your skin and prevent the poison sumac from spreading. An easy method to get rid of Poison Ivy rashes is cold compress. This is quite a liberating process, as you can take advantage of cotton pad, gauze pad or cloth-wipe to squash your blisters.

Prevent poison ivy

If you're outdoors and exposed to poison sumac, it's important to act quickly. Baking soda neutralizes the acids in the poison sumac and is used to soothe and nourish your skin. Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it over the affected areas, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it off.