Locale: Bahamas, south Florida
Plant family: Anacardiaceae (sumac)
Exposure to the plant can result in a contact dermatitis similar to poison ivy.
The allergen is present in:
(1) the sap beneath the bark (which becomes black when oxidized)
(2) the leaves
(3) the fruit
People may become exposed when trying to clear brush or when walking amongst the native vegetation.
Clinical findings:
(1) The patient develops a rash soon after the exposure up to a few days later. The longer the interval the greater the chance that the contact source will be forgotten.
(2) The patient usually develops papules and vesicles with surrounding erythema. Some patients develop bullae and others urticaria.
(3) The skin lesions are intensely pruritic.
(4) Lesions may develop an exudates that crusts and becomes eczematoid.
(5) The rash may last from 1 to several weeks.
