From the Guidelines
For poison sumac topical treatment, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the urushiol oil that causes the reaction, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. This approach is supported by evidence that washing with soap and water can remove up to 100% of poison ivy oils if done immediately after contact, with the effectiveness decreasing over time 1.
Key Recommendations
- Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure to poison sumac.
- Consider using cool compresses or oatmeal baths for symptomatic relief of itching, although the evidence for these treatments is limited 1.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, may be used to reduce itching and inflammation, but their effectiveness is uncertain and they may not be available over the counter in strengths that are demonstrated to improve symptoms 1.
- Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection.
- Seek medical attention if the rash covers large areas of the body, affects the face or genitals, or is accompanied by severe swelling or difficulty breathing. Some treatments, such as oral antihistamines, have limited evidence to support their use for local itching, but may be helpful for relieving itching at night 1. It is essential to note that the effectiveness of various treatments for poison sumac exposure can vary, and the best approach may depend on the individual case and the severity of the reaction.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor
Topical treatment for poison sumac can include hydrocortisone cream, as it is indicated for temporarily relieving itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to poison sumac 2.
- Application instructions: Apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older 2.
- Precautions: For children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor before use. For children under 12 years of age with external anal and genital itching, ask a doctor before use 2.
From the Research
Topical Treatment for Poison Sumac
- There are no direct research papers on the topical treatment of poison sumac.
- However, calamine lotion has been studied as a treatment for skin irritation and eczema, which may be relevant to treating the rash caused by poison sumac.
- A study published in 2013 found that calamine lotion reduced skin irritation in children with cast immobilization 3.
- Another study published in 2022 found that calamine lotion was effective as an adjunctive therapy to mometasone furoate ointment in the treatment of infant eczema 4.
Potential Benefits of Calamine Lotion
- Reduced skin irritation and lesions 3
- Decreased itch and sweat levels 3
- Effective in reducing eczema area and severity index, lesion area, and pruritus severity 4
Considerations
- The studies mentioned above did not specifically investigate the treatment of poison sumac, but rather skin irritation and eczema in general.
- More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of calamine lotion in treating poison sumac rash.