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BurningPlants_0813Slideshows
Never burn poisonous plants in an attempt to get rid of them. The chemicals can become airborne, and cause severe reactions in the mouth, eyes, nasal passages and lungs, not just the skin.
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Hydrocortisone_0813Slideshow
Thoroughly washing the exposed areas within about ten minutes of contact may prevent urushiol contact dermatitis from occurring. Otherwise, calamine lotion and cortisone cream will help treat urushiol-induced rashes. Cold compresses and antihistamines can provide relief from itching and painful blisters.
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Pets_0813Slideshow
Secretions from poisonous plants can be spread in indirect ways, too. Wear gloves and clean any clothing or items that you suspect is covered with an irritant, and wash pets that you think may have come in contact with poisonous plants. Although pets may not be directly susceptible, they can rub against your skin and cause a reaction.
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PoisonIvy_0813Slideshow
Poison ivy is a common US plant most prevalent in Eastern regions of the country. “Leaves of three, let it be,” is a good rule of thumb, as a hallmark sign of the plant is clusters of three broad leaves on vines or shrubs that can be climbing vertically or laying low to the ground. The leaves are usually green but can show tinges of red and orange during different seasons.
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PoisonIvyRash_0813Slideshow
Poison ivy, oak and sumac plants release the oil, urushiol, which may cause allergic eczematous contact dermatitis characterized by redness, swelling, papules, vesicles, blisters and streaking. This rash may not show up immediately, sometimes taking a week after contact to appear. It is not contagious, and can only be caused by coming into contact with urushiol.
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StingingNettle_0813Slideshows
Although the root of a stinging nettle can actually be used for medicinal purposes, the hairs that cover the leaves and stems can prick the skin and release several chemicals, including acetylcholine, histamine and formic acid. While ultimately harmless, the stings can be relieved with a thorough wash followed by antihistamines, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
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PoisonSumac_0813Slideshow
Poison sumac deviates from the three-leaf pattern, having as many as a dozen leaves on a single branch. The plant takes the shape of a shrub, and often features small yellow flowers that turn into berries.
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ProtectiveClothing_0813-Slideshows
To protect your skin from the variety of poisonous plants commonly found in the American wilderness, take a few precautions. Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed shoes. Have water readily available for cleansing, and wear a barrier cream if you know you will be near certain plants.
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SeverePoisonIvy_0813Slideshow
The extent of the allergic reaction differs based on individual sensitivity to urushiol. Approximately 15% to 30% of people do not have an immune response to the oil, whereas at least 25% have a strong response that results in severe symptoms. Rashes affecting the eyes, face or genitals may require visit to a physician, who might prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone.
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Ragweed_0813Slideshow
While ragweed is notorious for causing hayfever allergies, the widespread plant can also cause a rash consisting of small, itchy bumps and blisters for certain people who touch the erect, clumped stems. Itching can be controlled with OTC anti-itch creams, such as hydrocortisone.
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WildTurnip_0813Slideshow
Another plant that causes skin irritation is wild parsnip. Its stems and leaves contain psoralens, a chemical that causes phytophotodermatitis. Skin that comes into contact with the psoralens from wild parsnip and is then exposed to sunlight can become burned and blistered. Keep these areas clean, dry and out of the sun, and apply antibiotics and bandages regularly.
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PoisonOak_0813Slideshow
Poison oak is similar to poison ivy, although it is more prevalent in the Western and Southern regions of the United States. It too grows in leaves of three, but has curvier leaves than poison ivy similar to those of an oak tree and grows in the form of a vine.
