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.

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.

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.