Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsIdentificationWhat to DoSeeking Medical CareComplicationsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Identification
What to Do
Seeking Medical Care
Complications
Prevention
Poison sumac (Toxicodendronvernix) contains a rash-inducing oil calledurushiol. When this colorless, oily resin makes contact with skin, it can cause allergic contact dermatitis.Poison sumac rashes have red blotches ofinflammationor clusters of blistery skin that itch.
Grb / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of Poison Sumac?
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPlant dermatitis from contact with a rhus tree.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: An Overview
How Common is Poison Sumac Allergy?Roughly 50% to 75% of the U.S. population is allergic to the urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
How Common is Poison Sumac Allergy?
Roughly 50% to 75% of the U.S. population is allergic to the urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
If the oil from poison sumac is thoroughly removed within 10 minutes of contact, it usually will not cause a rash. However, if it remains on the skin for longer than 10 minutes, rash symptoms such as itchy skin, red streaks, and patches of fluid-filled blisters typically appear within eight to 48 hours. Poison sumac rash is self-limiting, meaning it heals itself, and usually resolves in under a month.
There is no cure for poison sumac rash, but the followinghome remediescan relieve symptoms:
If the poison sumac rash is severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral steroids such asprednisoneor strongertopical steroid creamthan is available over the counter, without a prescription.
How to Identify Poison Sumac
Poison sumac trees require excessive wetness and thrive in flooded soil found in marshes, swamps, or peat bogs. Poison sumac often grows along pond edges or riverbanks with the tree’s roots visibly immersed in shallow water.
Even when environmental conditions are hospitable to poison sumac, it’s still fairly rare. Poison sumac is native to the eastern United States and rarely found west of the Mississippi River except in the states of Texas, Louisiana, or Minnesota.If the soil is dry or the climate is arid, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter poison sumac.
Similar Plants
Poison sumac isn’t like other nonpoisonous sumac plants is similar other poisonous plants that belong to theToxicodendrongenus such aspoison ivyandpoison oak. AllToxicodendronplants such as poison sumac, poison ivy, and poison oak contain the same urushiol oil that causes a skin rash known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis orToxicodendrondermatitis.
What to Do If You Are Exposed to Poison Sumac
If you are exposed to poison sumac, the first thing to do is get the plant’s rash-inducing urushiol oil off your skin. Urushiol is a transparent substance that sticks to the skin and can easily get smeared without leaving any visible traces until the rash appears. Oil-dissolving solvents such as isopropyl alcohol or dish soap work best when removing the urushiol oil that causes poison sumac rash from the skin.
If effectively removed within 10 minutes of skin contact, urushiol won’t likely trigger an allergic reaction. Be sure to wash any area of your body that may have come into contact with poison sumac, as well as clothing and shoes. Wear vinyl or cotton gloves when handling items that touched poison sumac, and avoid latex gloves as the oil can penetrate the rubber. Pets can also spread poison sumac oil, so be sure to bathe them with gloved hands if they have been in an area with it.
The rash and watery blisters associated with poison sumac are not contagious once the urushiol oil is gone. However, if the oil lingers on clothes, shoes, gardening gloves, and outdoor tools, it can stay active for up to five years and cause an allergic skin reaction long after contact with the poison sumac shrub or tree.
3 Stages of Poison Sumac RashPoison sumac rash usually develops in the following three stages:Itchy skin without noticeable inflammation or discoloration.Reddish streaks or blotches appear as itchiness persists.Fluid-filled blisters form in clusters where the skin absorbs urushiol oil.
3 Stages of Poison Sumac Rash
Poison sumac rash usually develops in the following three stages:Itchy skin without noticeable inflammation or discoloration.Reddish streaks or blotches appear as itchiness persists.Fluid-filled blisters form in clusters where the skin absorbs urushiol oil.
Poison sumac rash usually develops in the following three stages:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
As with other severe forms of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, if poison sumac rash covers more than 20% of your body surface area or is located on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, contact a healthcare provider.
If someone exposed to poison sumac has a severe allergic reaction that causes facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing, go to the emergency room immediately orcall 911.
Are There Complications of a Poison Sumac Rash?
Skin infection is the most common complication of poison sumac rash. Scratching itchy skin can create open sores or wounds vulnerable to bacteria. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any signs of infection, such as:
Never Burn Poison Ivy, Oak, or SumacEvery part of the poison sumac plant contains urushiol’s toxic compounds. Not only does urushiol cause skin rashes, it can also cause severe mucous membrane irritation and internal complications if aToxicodendronplant is burned and the smoke is inhaled. Urushiol smoke exposure may lead to morbidity and, in rare cases, can even cause death.
Never Burn Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac
Every part of the poison sumac plant contains urushiol’s toxic compounds. Not only does urushiol cause skin rashes, it can also cause severe mucous membrane irritation and internal complications if aToxicodendronplant is burned and the smoke is inhaled. Urushiol smoke exposure may lead to morbidity and, in rare cases, can even cause death.
Tips to Prevent a Poison Sumac Rash
The best way to prevent a poison sumac rash is to block urushiol oil from making skin contact. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, gloves, and a protective face mask like a gator to pull up over your chin.
Because urushiol can cling to clothing and shoes, take precautions not to transfer the oily substance to yourself or other items when undressing. Always wash footwear, clothing, and any tools or equipment exposed to urushiol thoroughly to prevent poison sumac rash.
Summary
Poison sumac can cause a red, itchy rash that often blisters. The rash itself isn’t contagious, but the invisible oil that causes the rash (urushiol) can cling to fabric, pet fur, or your skin. Any urushiol oil that isn’t properly washed off is like a contagion and spreads rash-causing allergens. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain the same rash-inducing oil. However, the urushiol oil in poison sumac can cause a more severe allergic reaction.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gladman AC.Toxicodendrondermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2006;17(2):120-128. doi:10.1580/PR31-05.1Argo KA, Massey RC, Luth SK, Herrington JM, Lane AQ, Murray KA.Evaluation and management ofToxicodendrondermatitis in the emergency department: a review of current practices.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2023;34(3):388-392. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.001Labib A, Yosipovitch G.ItchyToxicodendronplant dermatitis.Allergies. 2022;2(1):16-22. doi:10.3390/allergies2010002Weinberg L, Malani PN.Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.JAMA. 2024;331(21):1872. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26355Kim Y, Flamm A, ElSohly MA, et al.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis: what is known and what is new?Dermatitis. 2019;30(3):183-190. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000472American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: When Does the Rash Appear?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Curtis G, Lewis AC.Treatment of severe poison ivy: A randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. 2014;6(6):429-434. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wNew York State Department of Transportation.Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix).USDA.Toxicodendron vernix(L.) Kuntze.Monroe J.Toxicodendron contact dermatitis: A case report and brief review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(9 Suppl 1):S29-S34.Kaiser Permenante.Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Tips for washing.CDC. NIOSH Fast Facts.Protecting Yourself From Poisonous Plants.FDA.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.Curtis.Treatment of severe poison ivy: a randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. Published online 2014. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wWoolery S, Willner J, Prahlow JA, Douglas E.Death after poison ivy smoke inhalation.Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2022;43(4):359-362. doi:10.1097/PAF.0000000000000777Additional ReadingCCD: NIOSH Science Blog.Outdoor Workers and Poisonous Plant Exposures.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gladman AC.Toxicodendrondermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2006;17(2):120-128. doi:10.1580/PR31-05.1Argo KA, Massey RC, Luth SK, Herrington JM, Lane AQ, Murray KA.Evaluation and management ofToxicodendrondermatitis in the emergency department: a review of current practices.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2023;34(3):388-392. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.001Labib A, Yosipovitch G.ItchyToxicodendronplant dermatitis.Allergies. 2022;2(1):16-22. doi:10.3390/allergies2010002Weinberg L, Malani PN.Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.JAMA. 2024;331(21):1872. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26355Kim Y, Flamm A, ElSohly MA, et al.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis: what is known and what is new?Dermatitis. 2019;30(3):183-190. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000472American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: When Does the Rash Appear?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Curtis G, Lewis AC.Treatment of severe poison ivy: A randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. 2014;6(6):429-434. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wNew York State Department of Transportation.Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix).USDA.Toxicodendron vernix(L.) Kuntze.Monroe J.Toxicodendron contact dermatitis: A case report and brief review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(9 Suppl 1):S29-S34.Kaiser Permenante.Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Tips for washing.CDC. NIOSH Fast Facts.Protecting Yourself From Poisonous Plants.FDA.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.Curtis.Treatment of severe poison ivy: a randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. Published online 2014. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wWoolery S, Willner J, Prahlow JA, Douglas E.Death after poison ivy smoke inhalation.Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2022;43(4):359-362. doi:10.1097/PAF.0000000000000777Additional ReadingCCD: NIOSH Science Blog.Outdoor Workers and Poisonous Plant Exposures.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gladman AC.Toxicodendrondermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2006;17(2):120-128. doi:10.1580/PR31-05.1Argo KA, Massey RC, Luth SK, Herrington JM, Lane AQ, Murray KA.Evaluation and management ofToxicodendrondermatitis in the emergency department: a review of current practices.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2023;34(3):388-392. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.001Labib A, Yosipovitch G.ItchyToxicodendronplant dermatitis.Allergies. 2022;2(1):16-22. doi:10.3390/allergies2010002Weinberg L, Malani PN.Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.JAMA. 2024;331(21):1872. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26355Kim Y, Flamm A, ElSohly MA, et al.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis: what is known and what is new?Dermatitis. 2019;30(3):183-190. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000472American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: When Does the Rash Appear?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Curtis G, Lewis AC.Treatment of severe poison ivy: A randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. 2014;6(6):429-434. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wNew York State Department of Transportation.Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix).USDA.Toxicodendron vernix(L.) Kuntze.Monroe J.Toxicodendron contact dermatitis: A case report and brief review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(9 Suppl 1):S29-S34.Kaiser Permenante.Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Tips for washing.CDC. NIOSH Fast Facts.Protecting Yourself From Poisonous Plants.FDA.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.Curtis.Treatment of severe poison ivy: a randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. Published online 2014. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855wWoolery S, Willner J, Prahlow JA, Douglas E.Death after poison ivy smoke inhalation.Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2022;43(4):359-362. doi:10.1097/PAF.0000000000000777
Gladman AC.Toxicodendrondermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2006;17(2):120-128. doi:10.1580/PR31-05.1
Argo KA, Massey RC, Luth SK, Herrington JM, Lane AQ, Murray KA.Evaluation and management ofToxicodendrondermatitis in the emergency department: a review of current practices.Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2023;34(3):388-392. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.001
Labib A, Yosipovitch G.ItchyToxicodendronplant dermatitis.Allergies. 2022;2(1):16-22. doi:10.3390/allergies2010002
Weinberg L, Malani PN.Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.JAMA. 2024;331(21):1872. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26355
Kim Y, Flamm A, ElSohly MA, et al.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis: what is known and what is new?Dermatitis. 2019;30(3):183-190. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000472
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: When Does the Rash Appear?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.
Curtis G, Lewis AC.Treatment of severe poison ivy: A randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. 2014;6(6):429-434. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855w
New York State Department of Transportation.Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix).
USDA.Toxicodendron vernix(L.) Kuntze.
Monroe J.Toxicodendron contact dermatitis: A case report and brief review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(9 Suppl 1):S29-S34.
Kaiser Permenante.Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Tips for washing.
CDC. NIOSH Fast Facts.Protecting Yourself From Poisonous Plants.
FDA.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.
Curtis.Treatment of severe poison ivy: a randomized, controlled trial of long versus short course oral prednisone.J Clin Med Res. Published online 2014. doi:10.14740/jocmr1855w
Woolery S, Willner J, Prahlow JA, Douglas E.Death after poison ivy smoke inhalation.Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2022;43(4):359-362. doi:10.1097/PAF.0000000000000777
CCD: NIOSH Science Blog.Outdoor Workers and Poisonous Plant Exposures.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
