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Poisonous Plant – Poison Sumac
Anacardiaceae (Rhus vernix) Identification: 7–15 leaflets with white fruit (berries hanging from delicate stalks), shrub growing to 10' with compound leaves.
Habitat: Eastern United States wetlands, bogs, marshes, and hemlock forests.
irritants/toxins: urushiol.
Symptoms: comparable to those of poison ivy and poison sumac, itching, blistering, inflammation, and contact dermatitis are caused by this.
First Aid: As soon as possible (up to an hour or even two hours) after exposure, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils before they have a chance to infiltrate your skin. Wash all clothes and tools well because the oil can linger on them for up to a year. Itching can also be reduced by taking tepid—not hot—water baths with baking soda and/or oatmeal. When used topically, calamine lotion helps sores dry out and reduces itching. Over-the-counter treatments are available that include hydrocortisone, a steroid that can lessen irritation and reduce inflammation. Prescription steroid creams are equally effective but include a higher quantity of hydrocortisone.
Note: I once unintentionally snapped off a poison sumac branch and used it as a staff while trekking. The extent of the rash on my body the day after the climb was astounding and depressing.
Anacardiaceae (Rhus vernix) Identification: 7–15 leaflets with white fruit (berries hanging from delicate stalks), shrub growing to 10' with compound leaves.
Habitat: Eastern United States wetlands, bogs, marshes, and hemlock forests.
irritants/toxins: urushiol.
Symptoms: comparable to those of poison ivy and poison sumac, itching, blistering, inflammation, and contact dermatitis are caused by this.
First Aid: As soon as possible (up to an hour or even two hours) after exposure, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils before they have a chance to infiltrate your skin. Wash all clothes and tools well because the oil can linger on them for up to a year. Itching can also be reduced by taking tepid—not hot—water baths with baking soda and/or oatmeal. When used topically, calamine lotion helps sores dry out and reduces itching. Over-the-counter treatments are available that include hydrocortisone, a steroid that can lessen irritation and reduce inflammation. Prescription steroid creams are equally effective but include a higher quantity of hydrocortisone.
Note: I once unintentionally snapped off a poison sumac branch and used it as a staff while trekking. The extent of the rash on my body the day after the climb was astounding and depressing.
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