Poison sumac what does it look like

It can also propagate through shoots that create clones of the parent plant. Poison sumac is a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves in the fall before going into a dormant, low-energy state for the winter. Even during the winter, when poison sumac is leafless, the plant contains— and can transmit—urushiol.

The warm colors of poison sumac are best enjoyed from a distance. Urushiol, the toxic oil of poison sumac, is a chemical that the plant uses as a defense mechanism. When poison sumac becomes damaged either through eating or other contact , urushiol is released to ward off danger to the plant. When urushiol is absorbed into human skin, the immune system reacts. Once the rash breaks out, it can last for as long as three weeks and progress to bumps and blisters before it disappears.

It only comes from contact with the oil, which must be passed on from the plant or something in contact with the plant e. The best prevention is avoidance and thoroughly washing clothing, hands, and equipment after doing yard work. Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

Poison sumac in your garden? A pro can remove it for you. Get free, no-commitment estimates from lawn care specialists near you. While poison sumac likes to grow in wetlands, most other sumacs prefer drier areas with well-drained soils.

Poison ivy and poison oak are two other commonly known poisonous plants that can cause a rash, but they look different from poison sumac. Poison ivy typically has three shiny green leaves or red in the fall budding from one small stem. Poison oak also typically comes in leaves of three. Wash any exposed parts thoroughly with soap and cool water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends rinsing with rubbing alcohol, specialized poison plant washes, degreasing soap such as dishwashing soap , or detergent, along with lots of water.

Take special care to clean under the fingernails to avoid spreading the oil to the eyes and other parts of the body. Clean all contaminated clothing, shoes, and gear with detergent several times. There is no cure for the rash. There are many over-the-counter remedies to help with your symptoms in the meantime, including:.

A doctor may prescribe oral or strong topical steroids to help reduce inflammation. You should also make a visit to your doctor if you think your rash has become infected due to scratching. Treatment will usually involve antibiotics. Call or go to a hospital emergency room immediately if your eyes swell shut or you have difficulty breathing. Scratching the skin can lead to an infection.

Symptoms of an infection include redness, pain, pus, and oozing from the blisters. If the oil is inhaled, which may occur if the plant is burned, it can lead to a dangerous lung irritation.

This can be fatal. Symptoms of lung irritation include coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Poison sumac is one of the most toxic plants in the United States, causing a horrible skin reaction that can persist for weeks.

Thankfully, poison sumac is much less common than poison oak and poison ivy. If you work or spend a lot of time in wetlands, swamps, or shady hardwood forests, being able to identify local types of poison sumac throughout the seasons is key to avoiding exposure. If you do come in contact with poison sumac, clean the area immediately with cool, soapy water and avoid scratching.

The best way to prevent poison oak rash is to learn to recognize the plant and avoid contact with it. See pictures and learn about possible remedies. Chiggers live in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas.

They may be in your backyard, by the lake, and along your favorite hiking…. OTC treatments can provide pain relief from the rash. For example, apply a cream that contains zinc oxide or zinc acetate directly to the rash. Hydrocortisone cream or a baking soda paste might also help. However, avoid applying these creams and pastes to any open blisters.

If a blister becomes infected, use a soft dressing to protect the wound. It is usually best to avoid popping any blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infected blister. The antibiotic could be in the form of a tablet or a cream. It is important to seek medical attention for an infected blister to prevent complications, such as cellulitis.

However, a person should contact a doctor if the rash is widespread over the body or occurs on the face or genitals. It is also important to see a doctor for any symptoms of infection. It is essential to contact the emergency services if any severe symptoms occur, such as trouble breathing or throat swelling. These symptoms can become life threatening. It is possible to come into contact with poison sumac when outdoors, particularly in wet areas.

A person can reduce the risk of coming into contact with poison sumac by covering all areas of skin as much as possible. The oil from poison sumac can cling to the skin and fingernails. Contact with these oils can produce a skin reaction within a few days. The rash may be red and itchy, and it may contain fluid-filled blisters.

A person can usually treat these symptoms at home using OTC medications. Contact a doctor for rashes that become widespread or infected. It is vital to seek emergency care for severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat, as these can become life threatening very quickly.

Most people are sensitive to the oil in poison oak, which the plant will release when damaged in any way. Usually, an itchy red rash will appear that…. Any contact with poison ivy can lead to an allergic reaction, which includes a skin rash.