Summertime Safety Part 3: Plant Rashes and Dermatitis

Identify but do not touch poison ivy or poison sumac.

• Poison ivy climbs trees, rocks and walls. If it has nothing to climb, it spreads on the ground. Sometimes it grows into a small shrub.
• Poison ivy is known for its three-notched leaves that each have a large hump or “thumb” at the base.
• Poison ivy is green during summer, reddish yellow during fall and dark red during spring. It grows small, white berries during spring and has fine hairs year-round. 
• Poison sumac is a tall shrub or small tree that grows along bodies of water, in swampy areas and in other lowlands.
• Poison sumac’s tiny branches each have seven to 13 leaflets, which are oval-shaped with rippled edges that taper to sharp points.

• Skin contact with the oil from these plants can cause a rash. If you come in contact with these plants, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove the oil and then dry with a disposable paper towel. 
• If you develop a rash, apply cold compresses and over-the-counter products, such as cortisone creams, antihistamines (like Benadryl) and Ivy-Dry, to lessen the irritation. 
• Having the rash means the oil has been absorbed, and you probably can’t spread either to others or elsewhere on yourself. If your skin blisters, the liquid inside is mostly water and does not spread the rash even if a blister breaks. 
• If your symptoms are severe or prolonged, seek medical attention. 

Identify but do not touch giant hogweed, cow parsnip or wild parsnip.

• Giant hogweed grows from 8 to 15 feet tall. It has small, white flowers that cluster at the top and large, jagged, lobed leaves. The stems are thick with purple blotches and coarse, white hair. 
• Cow parsnip grows from 4 to 5 feet tall. It has small, white flowers that cluster at the top and serrated, rounded, lobed leaves. The stems and leaves are covered in fine, soft hair. 
• Wild parsnip grows up to 5 feet tall. It has small, yellow flower clusters and saw-toothed, lobed leaves. The stems are yellowish green and have grooves.  
• Be careful of these plants when you are walking in meadows and alongside water banks and ditches. Wear eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, pants and boots. Take precautions when removing clothing and wash them immediately. 
• Do not cut these plants to avoid splattering their oil. Contact Oakland County CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) at parksnr@oakgov.com for technical help controlling invasive species.

• If these plants touch your skin, immediately wash the area with soap and water. 
• If you get a rash, stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours. If the rash worsens or goes into your eyes, see a doctor immediately.