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bap47201 · Jul 30, 2008, 12:37 PM

Is it possible to have a reaction to poison sumac without coming in contact with it or with anything that has touched it? :confused: We are renting a house that has a LOT of poison sumac in the back yard. I can just walk toward the yard and my forearms will start to itch. And some nights I wake up itching all over even though there is no rash. I'm beginning to think I am being exposed to airborne pollen from the plants. :mad:

We can't get rid of this stuff. It not only grows around our entire fence line, it will just sprout up in the middle of the back yard. Dozens of plants! :eek: I guess this is really kind of a two part question, but I am hoping for answers to both. Please help if you can.

bap47201 · Jul 30, 2008, 12:40 PM

Is it possible to have a reaction to poison sumac without coming in contact with it or with anything that has touched it? :confused: We are renting a house that has a LOT of poison sumac in the back yard. I can just walk toward the yard and my forearms will start to itch. And some nights I wake up itching all over even though there is no rash. I'm beginning to think I am being exposed to airborne pollen from the plants and reacting to just the pollen. :mad:

We can't get rid of this stuff. It not only grows around our entire fence line, it will just sprout up in the middle of the back yard. Dozens of plants! :eek: I guess this is really kind of a two part question, but I am hoping for answers to both. Please help if you can.

KISS · Jul 30, 2008, 01:23 PM

Maybe I'll try again, post seemed to be moved while posting. Answer may not be as comprehensive.

Yes it it possible to get reactions without actual contact.

Do a couple of things
1) Hydrate your skin with Eucerin creame or a thicker version
2) Change clothes out of the bedroom
3) Get a HEPA filter/Air cleaner for the bedroom
4) Avoid opening windows

Allergy testing and shots may be available.

Although not "Contact Dermatitus", the info is useful: FDA Consumer: Contact Dermatitis: Solutions to Rash Mysteries (May 1990)

Getting rid of Poison Sumac:

Again, not directly related, but provides useful info:
Controlling Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac - (www.poisonivy.us)

The poisonous plants require specially formulated herbacides. Poison Ivy can have a very aggressive root system and poison Sumac may too.

I use Vinyl gloves when applying the herbacide and it seems to take more than one application.