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Name:  Robert
Status:   other
Age:   50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Around 1999
Question:
Is Poison Sumac found in Penna. How can you get rid of it. If you catch it how do you get cured.


Replies:
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/bonapfams/bonxxana.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_sumac
http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/PoisonIvy.html

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.

Poison sumac is a very close relative of poison ivy, and is found throughout the eastern U.S. but its habitat is restricted to wooded bogs so it is not nearly as common or widespread. The active oil that causes the rash is the same as in posion ivy, there is no cure, only symptomatic treatment once the rash breaks out. The oil can be removed by washing with non-oil base soaps (fels naptha is an old favorite) or with special cleaners like Technu (brand name) but the affected skin must be washed soon after contact, usually within an hour.

J. Elliott

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