Question 1

how can i get rid of poison sumac?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines: Contact dermatitis is an immune response. The oil from poison sumac caused your immune system to react by releasing inflammatory cells, which release histamine among other things. The rash is a result. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an anti-histamine. You may also need a steroid to settle your over reactive immune system down. Anything which calms the skin is good, like chilled aloe vera.

Question 2

how can you remove oils from poison sumac from furniture?

Accepted Answer

Rubbing alcohol: Use a cleaner containing rubbing alcohol.

Question 3

is there a way to get rid of poison sumac without going to the doctors?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Apply a wet cloth, or soak the area in cool water.
Use calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
Try not to scratch to avoid a skin infection.
Do not use the following medicines. They can cause allergy problems of their own:
Antihistamines applied to the skin such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl cream, spray, or gel).
Topical anesthetics with benzocain or topical antibiotics with neomycin.

Question 4

what are ways to help "cure" poison sumac?

Accepted Answer

No cure, get treated: (toxicodendron dermatitis) aka: poison ivy/oak/sumac causes an itchy blistering reaction of varying degrees in almost everyone who contacts it and fails to wash it off immediately.  Seeing a doctor is highly recommended because oral steroids for about 3 weeks in a tapering course will dramatically improve this condition in a few days.  Topical soaks to dry the blisters is also helpful.  Good luck.

Question 5

what are the differences between poison sumac and pokeweed?

Accepted Answer

Not even close: Poison Sumac can cause a rash (contact dermatitis) in sensitive people.  Look at pictures
http://www.poison-sumac.org/
Pokeweed is more common and doesn't cause a rash. It has purple berries that will stain your skin.It is toxic to animals and people when eaten But, some people will eat the leaves on a salad when prepared right. Look at pictures
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytolacca_americana

Question 6

what does a poison sumac rash look like on the body?

Accepted Answer

Red areas: Irregular red plaques in areas of exposure with vesiculization.

Question 7

i have poison sumac on my private parts?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: Because the area is so sensitive, you should start taking some benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec.  But unless it's very mild, see your doctor and ask about getting some prednisone.  Prednisone is an antiinflammatory steroid that will help shorten the course of your illness.  Topical steroid creams might be irritating on the area where you have the rash.

Question 8

my dad got poison sumac yesterday and went to the doctor today. should i be worried i may get it from him if he took a shower yesterday?

Accepted Answer

Very rare: This is very rare but the same precautions used with poison ivy apply.  The oil that causes the skin reaction can be transmitted from one part of the body to another or to another person.  It is not contagious.  If he took a good soapy shower most if not all of the oil should be gone.

Question 9

why do people get poison sumac real bad?

Accepted Answer

Rhus dermatitis: Reaction to the toxic oil, can stay on clothing up to 10 years if not washed in hot water.

Question 10

how long does poison sumac usually last?

Accepted Answer

See below: Mild cases may resolve in a week.  More severe cases can last up to a month.

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Doctor answers about:

Cause of poison sumac allergy

A member asked:

How can i get rid of poison sumac?

A member asked:

How can you remove oils from poison sumac from furniture?

A member asked:

Is there a way to get rid of poison sumac without going to the doctors?

A member asked:

What are ways to help "cure" poison sumac?

A member asked:

What are the differences between poison sumac and pokeweed?

A member asked:

What does a poison sumac rash look like on the body?

A member asked:

I have poison sumac on my private parts?

A member asked:

My dad got poison sumac yesterday and went to the doctor today. should i be worried i may get it from him if he took a shower yesterday?

A member asked:

Why do people get poison sumac real bad?

A member asked:

How long does poison sumac usually last?

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