Hi Ladies -
I had intended to get back on this one sooner but haven't found good references. I have read that sometimes there may be a spot in the middle of a poison ivy rash. The conjecture is that this is oxidized urushiol oil. I prefer to find credible reference papers with information that can be supported (like other credible reference sites, papers, etc.). I haven't found that here. It may exist but I think I'll have to go to the library to do some med searches for references.
As for is this poison sumac? There really isn't any difference between poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac. All three have urushiol oil as a secondary compound. There is a belief that poison sumac is more virulent but the thought there is that since this plant is in an area rarely disturbed that it gets to be much larger. Bigger plant = more urushiol oil. But again the effects are the same and all depends on just how much urushiol oil has bonded with the skin and where with thicker skin less likely to break out (not impossible just less likely).
For Sharon's rash, that sounds so different from a urushiol induced rash. The normal look is streaked such as where the plant touched the skin. This is an allergic reaction to a chemical transfered from plant (or tools or pet) to skin.
For Janet's rash, there are a number of plants which can cause dermatitis. Without knowing where you are located I couldn't give you a list of suspects. Look around your yard and see what may be candidates.
For Diane's rash, yours could easily be oxidized urushiol oil. I've also found that some lotions I used to treat the blistery, oozing rash caused stuff to look oogy in the middle of the rash. OK - so oogy isn't a technical term just something that seems about right. I think it was calamine lotion for me but that rash was about 6 years ago so my memory is a bit hazy. That was a monster rash and I used just about every over the counter lotion, creme that I could get my hands on. Lately, I don't put anything on the rash so no spots.
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