poison sumac?

[SuperMn106]

hey guys i need some help. i was in tennesee for a dog trial (beagles) ad i got poison sumac, i have never had it before and would like to know some ideas on how to get rid of it thanks in advance

mike

[VermontHunter]

Re: poison sumac?

This may help.....

Relieving itching and helping dry blisters for poison ivy, oak, or sumac

A rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac may itch and produce blisters. Try the following suggestions and medications to help relieve these symptoms.

General suggestions

Although the rash does not spread through blister fluid, try not to scratch blisters. Scratching may cause a bacterial infection to develop.

Apply wet compresses or soak the area in cool water for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. Do this for 1 to 4 days until the itching and blistering improve. Compresses or soaking water may include:

Baking soda. Add baking soda water to make a solution for a wet compress or mix it with water into a paste and then apply the paste to the rash.

Vinegar.

Burow's solution (aluminum acetate). Apply as a compress during the blistering stage. Caution: Stop using if any irritation develops.

Take short, cool baths with or without an oatmeal additive (such as Aveeno).

Wear cotton or silk clothing. Avoid wearing wool and acrylic fabrics next to your skin.

Use as little soap as possible. Use gentle soaps, such as Basis, Cetaphil, Dove, or Oil of Olay. Avoid deodorant soaps when you have the rash.

Avoid dry skin, which will worsen itching caused by the rash. Apply a moisturizer or calamine lotion to the skin while it is damp. Watch closely for excessive drying, which may occur when calamine lotion is used for an extended period. For more information, see the topic Dry Skin and Itching.

Medication

Medications that relieve itching include:

Nonprescription oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (for example, Benadryl) and prescription oral antihistamines such as hydroxyzine (for example, Atarax, Rezine, Vistaril). These medications may cause drowsiness. Consult your health professional before using these medications and do not drive while taking them. The topical form (applied to the skin) of Benadryl may cause another allergic reaction and should not be used.

Nonprescription, topical hydrocortisone products (0.25% to 0.5% active ingredient), such as Cortaid, Caldecort, or Lanacort. Topical hydrocortisone products should only be used in mild cases, usually after the affected area has been soaked in water or a compress has been applied. Although safe, these products are not recommended for treating poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash because they are not strong enough and may not be used long enough to be effective. They may appear to work for a time, but the rash often suddenly flares up again, sometimes worse than before.

Medications that dry out oozing blisters include:

Aluminum hydroxide gel.

Kaolin.

Zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, or zinc oxide.

If you have a severe rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac, consult your health professional. You may need prescription corticosteroids.

Do NOT use the following medications. They may increase sensitization and/or cause more skin problems:

Antihistamines applied to the skin (such as Benadryl cream, spray, or gel; Dermamycin). The oral form of Benadryl may be helpful.

Anesthetics applied to the skin containing benzocaine (such as Americaine, Anacaine, Lanacane, Bicozene)

[Tominator]

Re: poison sumac?

Only sure fire, best way to get rid of any contact dermititis is a shot or course of prednisone.

I also use a salve called Clobetasol.

Those two in combination really work for me.