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Discharge Instructions for Poison Sumac Allergy

A poison sumac allergy is a reaction to the oil of the poison sumac plant. It causes a very itchy and red rash.

It is treated with self-care and medicine.

Steps to Take

Self Care

To ease discomfort:

  • Use cool compresses, oatmeal baths, or calamine lotion to ease itching.
  • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes.

To promote healing:

  • Keep your skin clean and dry.
  • Try not to scratch your skin or break blisters.
  • Do not use perfumes or chemicals.

You have an allergy to poison sumac. Take steps to avoid contact with it.

Medications

Medicine may be given to ease symptoms of the allergic reaction.

When taking medicine:

  • Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
  • Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
  • Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
  • Do not share your prescription medicine.
  • Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.

Follow-up

The doctor may want to check on your progress. Be sure to go to all appointments.

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Swelling of your face, throat, or mouth
  • A rash that spreads quickly
  • A rash on your genitals
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

REFERENCES:

Contact dermatitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/contact-dermatitis. Accessed June 4, 2021.

Eczema (dermatitis): Atopic in adults. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed June 4, 2021.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: what should I do if I touch a plant? American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy/touch-plant. Accessed June 4, 2021.

Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD