Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac Plants

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Title: Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac Plants

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Author: Wayne Mc

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Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac Plants

Copyright 2005 Wayne Mc

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, each year

10 to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after

contact with Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac

Plants. The invisible oily resin called urushiol causes the

ill effects of these poisonous plants.

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac is found in every state except

Alaska and Hawaii. These plants are important to the

eco-systems where they thrive. The small, white or bluish

berries found on the ivies feed a number of birds and small

animals. The irritants found in urushiol oil do not effect

most animals and the tangles from the plants serve as

shelter.

This oily resin can stay on pets, shoes, hiking boots,

clothes, toys, garden tools, lawn mowers and anything else

that has made contact. In fact, the oil stays active on any

surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.

Symptoms

After making contact, the reaction (called dermatitis) may

include a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch.

Scratching does not spread the outbreak but may cause

infection because it allows bacteria from dirt on the hands

to enter the skin. Symptoms can last ten days to several

weeks to heal.

Mild Symptoms

* Severe redness

* Signs of infection, such as pus

* Rash in mouth, eyes, or genital area

* Rash on a large portion of your body or face

* Mild symptoms can be treated with simple and natural home

remedies. See below.

Severe Symptoms

* Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips

* Difficulty breathing or swallowing

* Weakness or dizziness

* Bluish lips and/or mouth

* Unconsciousness

* Severe Symptoms need immediate emergency medical care.

Caution

NEVER burn poison ivy. Burning these poisonous plants puts

the urushiol resin in the air and can get in your lungs and

possibly your neighbor's lungs. If you get poison ivy in

your lungs, you will need to go to the hospital.

Pet Alert

The only threat to resin on our pets is if it is rubbed off

onto other things or people. If your pet merely has the

bumps and is itching, you can not catch it from them.

Treatment

Because urushiol is a oily resin and not a water based

fluid, it will not evaporate and it can linger for several

years.

Use mild soap and cold or cool water to wash off the resin.

Do not use hot water because it opens your skin pores and

thus absorb more of the oil.

You may want to apply rubbing alcohol to the affected

area(s) with cotton balls, and then rinse again with cold

water. You can apply calamine lotion, a zinc oxide

ointment, or baking soda paste (3-tsp. soda to 1-tsp.

water) to the affected area(s), or soak in an oatmeal bath,

to relieve the symptoms somewhat.

Generally, the best treatment is time — the rash and

itching should go away on its own in one to two weeks. Try

to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face,

and scratch as little as possible, as this will irritate

the rash further and may introduce infection.

This article is for general information only and not

intended for or to replace any medical advice. Always check

with your doctor for treatment of any health condition.

About the Author:

Wayne Mc is a health care professional and public

speaker for safe natural treatments of annoying and

burdensome health challenges. Learn more at

http://www.OurFamilysHealth.com/poison-oak