Protect Yourself From Poisonous Plants

"The National Safety Council reminds you to protect yourself from the sun and other summer health risks, such as poisonous plants." - nsc.org

Signs & Symptoms

A day or two after contact with the plant a skin rash will appear. Symptoms such as these can be mild to severe.

• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Burning feeling
• Blisters

How Poison Ivy is Contracted

Contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or posion sumac by simply touching one of these plants will cause the above symptoms. The sap from these plants can get on your clothes, shoes, pets and can remain potent for over a year. Do not attempt to burn these plants because contact with the smoke can also cause a rash.

Treatment

• Take a cold shower. Use soap or pour cold water over the rash area.
• An over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl may relieve itching. Make sure to follow the directions.
• Throw away clothes that have come in contact with these plants and bathe pets in cold water and use soap.
• Do not touch your eyes, mouth, and face with your hands.
• Do not scratch or rub the rash.
• A paste of 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water.

References: List of Poisonous Plans in North Carolina, First Aid for Poison Ivy