The same oil is also. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Treatment will usually involve antibiotics. When poison ivy leaves burn, they put out chemicals that can bother your eyes, nose, or lungs. Your skin absorbs the oil quickly, so you can only spread the oil from one part of your skin to another for a short amount of time. A slight touch of Poison Sumac can cause a good deal of rashes. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Sometimes, poison ivy can even cause your eyes to swell shut. Summer V. Allen, M.D., Consultant, Family Medicine/Obstetrics, Mayo Clinic: Be aware of your surroundings. If you think someones eaten it, get them to a doctor right away. Theyll prescribe steroids to control your symptoms. Dr. Allen: Make sure to wash all their clothing. Accessed June 10, 2020. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on See your doctor if the rash is on your face or private parts, covers more than 25% of your body, you notice pus from the rash, or you breathe in smoke from burning leaves. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Purple flowers in groups of three or more bloom around July or August. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Approach to the patient with pustular skin lesions. Tintinalli JE, et al. Also wash as soon as possible any other items that came in contact with the plant oil such as outdoor gear, garden tools, jewelry, shoes and even shoelaces. Nearly everyone who touches urushiol gets a poison ivy rash. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. People who work outside in the woods or swamp areas are particularly susceptible to poison sumac rash. This content does not have an Arabic version. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). No-the FDA, Mayo Clinic, and several other reputable health organizations all state scratching poison ivy, oak, or sumac will not spread the rash, which is produced by exposure to the plant oil urushiol. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Appointments & Access Frequently, the rash takes a linear form (as in the top-left corner of the photo) due to the way the plant sweeps across the skin. This woody shrub grows in wet, swampy areas all over the U.S. Each stem has 7 to 13 leaves and clusters of green berries that droop. Poison oak also typically comes in leaves of three. Wash your skin right away if you come into contact with this oil, unless you know you're not sensitive to it. Itchiness and skin dryness. Contact dermatitis. If a bacterial infection has developed at the rash site, your doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic. The most noticeable symptom associated with contacting a poison sumac tree or shrub is developing a red, itchy skin rash. Place cool, wet compresses on the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. Accessed April 4, 2017. As aforesaid, Poison Ivy contains an oily resin that causes allergy in the human skin. It's easy to identify by its clusters of three pointed leaves. Poison sumac is particularly abundant along the Mississippi River and swampy areas of the Southeast. You can also develop a rash from touching oil-contaminated objects, such as gardening tools, clothes or a pets fur. The rash is caused by oils in the plants. 1 Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen Lindner One key to proper identification is studying the shrub's individual plant parts: Leaf (color and shape) Berries Bark Stem (color) All parts of poison sumac are poisonous. When bacteria or fungi travel down your body hairs, they can infect the tiny pockets, called follicles, at the roots. It irritates the mouth and could make you nauseated enough to vomit. 1 It sports eye-catching red stems, along with medium-sized green leaves, which turn to a red-orange in the fall. Wear socks, pants and long sleeves when outdoors. privacy practices. This strong-smelling nightshade herb has thick stems that grow 4 feet tall, with leaves up to 3 inches long. You can also apply medicated cream to ease the discomfort of your symptoms. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If they can, wear higher socks or longer clothing to cover their legs. Poison Sumac sprouts. Poison ivy treatments usually involve self-care methods at home. A doctor may prescribe oral or strong topical steroids to help reduce inflammation. Cow parsnip ( Heracleum lanatum ): Mostly found in moist or low lying areas and reaching 4-9 feet tall, cow parsnip has distinct large compound leaves that look like a giant maple leaf with three deep segments. Do you know which one? You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you. Contact dermatitis is often caused when one comes into contact with certain allergens. Poison ivy looks differently during each phase of its growth cycle, and the oily sap on the plant's leaves, called urushiol, can cause an allergic reaction and rash during each season. In: Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. It has red stems with a pinnate or feather-like leaf arrangement comprised of 7 to 13 oblong or oval-shaped leaves. Keep it up for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also transfer the oil to other parts of your body with your fingers. Try a lotion that has bentoquatam. Skin with less oil tends to react later. It acts as a barrier between urushiol and your skin. Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum) looks similar to poison sumac, but is nonallergenic (doesnt cause an allergic reaction). When you touch a poisonous plant or an object thats been in contact with a plant, you develop an itchy rash. If we combine this information with your protected information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. They have a sticky, long-lasting oil called urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash after it touches your skin. Poison ivy strikes again or maybe it's poison oak or poison sumac, as all three plants contain the same oily, allergy-inducing sap called urushiol. When your skin touches the oil, an allergic reaction occurs. There may be groups of three, five, or seven leaves. Just one leaf is enough to kill an adult. other information we have about you. Up to 90% of people who come into contact with poison ivy oil develop an itchy rash. Wear rubber gloves while bathing pets that have been in contact with poisonous plants. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants. While it may look like the rash is spreading, whats most likely happening is that youre developing one or more new rashes. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. It lives in the rich, wet soil near ditches, streams, and farms, especially in the Northeast. Apply calamine lotion or creams containing menthol. Wash your skin right away if you come into contact with this oil, unless you know you're not sensitive to it. Wear long sleeves, pants and gloves when doing yard work, gardening, farming or hiking. May have yellow-white berries. Rank in 1 month. This content does not have an Arabic version. Your risk of a rash is increased if you participate in outdoor activities that put you at higher risk of exposure to poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac: If you scratch a poison ivy rash, bacteria under your fingernails may cause the skin to become infected. Symptoms can interfere with a persons day-to-day activities depending on where the rash occurs on the body and how much it spreads. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Prok L, et al. The sap is in the root, stems, leaves and fruit of these plants. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Historians think their enemies in Turkey gave it to them to weaken them before battle. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Tiny, fuzzy, needle-like growths called trichomes inject the poison, which is similar to that found in spiders and cone snails. Each leaf has clusters of seven to 13. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Time; 2017. This woody perennial has a stem that grows through the year. If you develop a rash, it can be itchy and last for weeks. N/A. Poison ivy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol). If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Head to the emergency room if you have severe reactions in addition to the rash, like nausea, fever, shortness of breath, extreme soreness at the rash site, or swollen lymph nodes. You can treat mild cases of poison ivy rash at home with soothing lotions and cool baths. Staghorn sumac has bright orange or red berries growing at the edge of its stems. Fortunately, most rashes clear up with minimal treatment within a week. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 9, 2017. All parts of the plant are very poisonous. To prevent poison ivy rash, follow these tips: Avoid the plants. Also, each stem on the poison sumac plant has a cluster of leaflets with smooth edges, while harmless sumac leaves have jagged edges. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Touching any part of the poison ivy plant can cause red, swollen skin, blisters and severe itching, sometimes within hours after exposure. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Look for those stinging hairs on the stem, which are the telltale sign. wordlist = ['!', '$.027', '$.03', '$.054/mbf', '$.07', '$.07/cwt', '$.076', '$.09', '$.10-a-minute', '$.105', '$.12', '$.30', '$.30/mbf', '$.50', '$.65', '$.75', '$. Poison sumac is related to poison oak and poison ivy plants, which also cause a similar rash. Examples include: Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Poison Ivy can be a climbing or trailing vine, a shrub or even a small tree. healthquotesabc.com. Poisonous plants: Symptoms and first aid. 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. There are many over-the-counter remedies to help with your symptoms in the meantime, including: You can also take an oatmeal bath to help relieve the itching. It is widely present in the northern and eastern parts of the U.S. Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis (also called Toxicodendron dermatitis or Rhus dermatitis) is a type of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the oil urushiol found in various plants, most notably sumac family species of the genus Toxicodendron: poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and the Chinese lacquer tree. Mayo Clinic Minute: Who should be screened for colorectal cancer? The rashes can last for a few weeks. In the East, Midwest, and South, it grows as a vine, and in the North and the West as a shrub. We avoid using tertiary references. Soak the affected area in a cool-water bath that has about a half cup (100 grams) of baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno) in it. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Chigger bites. Poison sumac rashes are not common because the plant is not so widespread. All parts of the flower arepoisonous and can slow or disrupt your heart. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of I am extremely sensitive to poison ivy, which I first contracted after unwittingly pulling the vines out of trees. There is a problem with Natalie tried many acne products without success. Poison ivy can cause a painful rash in and around your eyes that should eventually heal without harming your vision. Poison ivy can be found in nearly every state, so theres a good chance you will eventually cross paths with it. A few people develop black spots or streaks of black on their skin rather than a red rash. Leaflets are elongated, oval, and have smooth margins. It makes you nauseous, thirsty, and feverish, weakens your pulse, and raises your heart rate. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019. No matter how long it takes for the rash to appear, most people experience the following when they get a rash: The skin itches intensely where the rash will appear. Poison sumac leaves grow in clusters of seven to 13 leaves, with one by itself at the end. Poison ivy is the only one that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. Poison ivy typically has three shiny green leaves (or red in the fall) budding from one small stem. Call 911 if you have any trouble breathing or feel faint. Poison ivy grows as vines or low shrubs in most climates. It may grow as a low plant or bush or as a vine. But it's possible to get poison ivy rash from someone if you touch plant resin that's still on the person or contaminated clothing. Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa): A troublesome species of increasing concern. Rashes from poisonous plants usually go away within a week or two. It is more common in the United States in Eastern and Midwestern states. (2016). The itch can be so intense that it wakes you from a sound sleep. Severe cases require medical attention. References Call 911 if someone has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or loses consciousness. Apply isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to exposed body parts, gardening tools or other contaminated items to strip away the oil. There is a problem with Poison oak, poison sumac and the fruit rind of mangoes cause a similar rash. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Depending on your skins sensitivity, a rash may develop within a few hours or days after initial contact. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac grow in wooded or marshy areas throughout North America. information submitted for this request. A poison ivy plant typically has three leaflets branching off a single stem. The reaction usually develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure and lasts two to three weeks. Urushiol begins to stick within minutes. Airborne contact dermatitis: Common causes in the USA. An estimated 50% to 75% of the population . The Mayo Clinic writes "A poison ivy rash itself isn't contagious. All rights reserved. Researchers named the new family of toxins gympeptides, after the trees local name, the Gympie-Gympie stinging tree. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. Poison ivy exposure can result in. Kermott CA, et al., eds. Category. (n.d.). Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and closed shoes if you're in an area where they grow. Unlike poison ivy and poison oak, it doesn't grow in a three-leaf-per-stem pattern. Act fast. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. In the meantime, soothe irritated skin with an over-the-counter topical treatment, such as calamine lotion. Before your appointment, you may want to list all the medications, supplements and vitamins you take. Poison Sumac, or Toxicodendron vernix, is a common North American plant that causes skin irritation to people.Like its better-known cousin poison ivy, the green leaves of poison sumac sure to put a damper on an otherwise pleasant camping trip or another outdoor excursion. This oily resin is very sticky, so it easily attaches to your skin, clothing, tools, equipment and pet's fur. It grows as a shrub or small tree in wet environments,. Mr. Howland: Dr. Summer Allen, a Mayo Clinic family physician, says, if you come into contact with a plant like poison ivy, wash the exposed skin right away. Their high levels of energy, endless curiosity, and remarkable ability to bounce back from stumbles can put kids at risk. So, if you go hiking, do not forget to wear well-covered clothes. Top SEO sites provided "Why is my poison ivy rash spreading" keyword . All rights reserved. He just left me totally devastated and it was another year before I got into Mayo Clinic, where the surgeons there totally repaired all of . Scratching can break open skin and cause an infection. Be careful -- urushiol remains active, even on dead plants. The most common symptom for infants is difficulty with Mayo Clinic Minute: Do you have dry eyes? We'll show you how to identify poison ivy during the spring, summer, fall, and winter. And remember, dont scratch! Also, list questions you'd like to ask your doctor about your poison ivy rash. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Learn about natural repellents that actually work. The rash can range from mild to severe, depending . Calamine lotion, diphenhydramine, or hydrocortisone can help control itching. So if you put away a contaminated jacket without washing it and take it out a year later, the oil on the jacket may still cause a rash. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It thrives in the wild in some places, too. One of these, formic acid, helps put the sting in bee stings and fire ant bites. Tinea versicolor. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) inhabits swamps and other wet areas as well as pinewoods and hardwood forests. Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. Accessed April 4, 2017. This rash is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. Its sap can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, which could blister, burn, or scar it, sometimes permanently. The plants arent really poisonous. When your skin touches poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, you develop an itchy rash. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Poison sumac is one of a trio of plants, including poison ivy and poison oak, that cause a rash if a person is allergic to them 1. A poison ivy rash usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron) dermatitis. These are other well-known plants that are also in the Toxicodendron genus of the sumac family. If you havent been outdoors or in contact with plants, your healthcare provider will want to rule out other skin conditions or causes. They have a textured, hairy surface. Clean contaminated objects. During the fall, these leaves turn bright red. Itchy, irritating poison ivy rash. Keep this common Christmas holiday tradition away from kids and pets. In [] Mayo Clinic. Poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis. Accessed April 4, 2017. You usually won't need further testing. Keep pets from running through wooded areas so that urushiol doesn't stick to their fur, which you then may touch. If we combine this information with your protected What can I do to help control the itching? In the meantime, these over-the-counter medications can relieve the itchy rash: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral steroid, such as prednisone, if the rash becomes more severe or the rash forms on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals. Symptoms of an infection include redness, pain, pus, and oozing from the blisters. Poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis. Learn how to prevent and treat it. Myth. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. If the rash is widespread or causes many blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling. What to do if youre exposed to poison sumac, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swimmer's itch. Find out how long it can for a rash to appear. Talk to your doctor if you have a severe poison ivy rash or if the rash involves your face or genital area. But using them along with over-the-counter medicine can ease the itch and keep you more comfortable. The plant contains a compound called urushiol, which can irritate the skin and mucus membranes, causing a poison sumac rash. Following exposure, the time it takes for a rash to appear depends on whether a person has had a prior rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac. If we combine this information with your protected If you're spending time outdoors in the brush, you're also at higher risk of brushing up against a poisonous plant. Mr. Howland: The rash typically goes away after a few weeks. Although washing your skin immediately after exposure can help reduce your risk of getting a rash, the uroshiol's oily nature can make it difficult to wash off. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. If the rash is on the face or genitals, spreads over a large part (3050 percent) of the body, or you have a high fever (over 101F), see your doctor. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/outsmarting-poison-ivy-and-other-poisonous-plants. Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Heres the general rule: Previous rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac: The rash tends to last 1 to 14 days before it clears on its own. It forms within 24 to 72 hours of contact, depending on. This oil is in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. You can be affected by it at any age. Some leaves have smooth edges, while others have a jagged, tooth-like appearance. Topical treatments include calamine lotion; oatmeal baths; a mixture of baking soda and water; or a cool, wet compress. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron) dermatitis. Heat emergencies. Hose down any garden tools that might have touched the plant. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Most commercial bug repellents can cause health and environmental problems. But if you come into contact with a piece of clothing or pet fur that has urushiol on it, the rash may be more spread out. Poison ivy and poison oak are two other commonly known poisonous plants that can cause a rash, but they look different from poison sumac. Washing off the oil may reduce your chances of getting a poison ivy rash. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy), (https://familydoctor.org/condition/poison-ivy/), (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/exposure.html). Blister fluid doesn't contain urushiol and won't spread the rash. There is no cure for the rash. Heres how long botox tends to last. Most people are sensitive to the plants' oily sap. Miller JL, et al. Contact dermatitis. This is the Urushiol Oil. Symptoms of a poison sumac rash appear 848 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. You cannot spread the rash. 4th ed. Poison ivy rash. Rash; Raynaud's Disease; Rectovaginal Fistula; . You might even forget where you are or see things that arent there. Review/update the It looks a lot like poison ivy, but its leaves are more similar to those of an oak tree. Other allergens and irritants besides poisonous plants can cause contact dermatitis or an itchy rash. If it gets on your skin, it causes a blistering skin rash. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the oil. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Assortment of Skin Care Products from Mayo Clinic Store. Kermott CA, et al., eds. If you spend time outdoors, chances are you have been bothered by poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac at some point. If youre wondering why you develop a rash from these plants, youll find the answer at: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: Who gets a rash, and is it contagious? This plant looks like a wild carrot or an unusually big parsley plant because of the umbrella-like bunches of tiny white flowers and distinctive leaves. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, How to Exercise Outside When You Have Allergies. Low-lying poison ivy plants are usually found among groups of weeds and other plants. The poison sumac rash looks like streaky patches of red blisters. A poison ivy rash has the following features: 3 Itching Painful blisters or vesicles filled with fluid Red bumps that appear in straight lines or streaks Swelling The symptoms of poison ivy rash can worsen over the days following contact. The reaction usually develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure and lasts two to three weeks. Keep a pair of shoes just for outside use and keep them outdoors. Accessed April 4, 2017. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Mayo Clinic. Kurlan JG, Lucky AW. It also has a fruit with lots of seeds, which kids sometimes eat. June 29, 2020. Take special care to clean under the fingernails to avoid spreading the oil to the eyes and other parts of the body. Poison ivy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol). The rash itself is not contagious but, if the urushiol oil is still on your clothes, dog or backpack, it can still give you a rash. Urushiol triggers an allergicreaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed June 10, 2020. (second edition). 4th ed. If you develop a rash, it can be very itchy and last for weeks. Thompson DA. Poison sumac rash should be treated as soon as possible because it can last for weeks without treatment. The leaves are often thick and stay green all year. Myth. An over-the-counter antihistamine that won't make you so drowsy is loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others). Image 1 used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides. Only humans are susceptible to the poison ivy rash. Your skin absorbs the oil from these plants quickly, but you rarely see a rash right away. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This article is written byMayo Clinic Staff. The poison sumac plant has smooth-edged leaves and can grow as a bush or tree. Ragweed allergy. But it can stay on the fur and rub off on you. If you have blisters, they break open and leak fluid. People grow it for its looks throughout the United States. Please "Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network." Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Poison sumac plants are characterized by red stems and bright green leaves. Make a donation. Myth. Best planted in spring after the last frost, sumac grows at a moderate rate. Wild Parsnip. A rash from one of these poisonous plants usually shows up as red, itchy bumps on the skin. other information we have about you. Chiggers live in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP22000.pdf, davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3940#b, chop.edu/pages/poison-ivy-poison-oak-and-poison-sumac, cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html, cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/symptoms.html, Everything You Need to Know About Poison Ivy, Is This Rash Contagious? Cool showers and calamine lotion might help relieve the itch, but mostly, you wait: A week or two should bring relief. Take oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which may also help you sleep better. It is most common in the Western U.S. and sometimes found in Eastern states . Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause rashes if someone touches them. Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include: Poison ivy rash often appears in a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your skin. Keep the area cool, dry, and clean. Identification of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood. Particles of urushiol remain in the smoke and can aggravate your eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, and can land on the skin. If you develop black spots or streaks, there tends to be little or no redness and swelling. The rash appears 8 to 48 hours after exposure to poison sumac. If it got into your eyes, rinse them with saline drops if you can. The small, white berries have one seed and contain a sticky, poisonous pulp. What are the symptoms of poison sumac rash?