Poisonous plants
Plants have evolved many different strategies to ensure their survival. Some
of them produce various poisons or irritating substances (in the form of an
oil usually) that usually serve to remind the "attacker" that they
are not a good idea to touch or eat.
Prevention
- learn to identify the common poisonous plants in the area you will be travelling
in (in our area the most common are poison ivy, stinging nettles and poison
parsnip)
- avoid touching or eating any plants that you are not familiar with
- not every plant that animals eat are safe for human consumption
Signs and Symptoms
- unless ingested, the most common sign is a blister like rash that develops
within 24-48 hours after contact
- contact with stinging nettles will produce a painful burning sensation immediately
after contact that subsides within 30 minutes usually
Treatment
- Wash the affected area with strong soap (dishwashing soap or detergent)
and plenty of water taking care that the runoff is away from affected areas
- Wipe the area down with alcohol
- Apply calamine lotion once an observable rash is present
- Antihistamines may help relieve some of the itching
- Handle any clothing that has touched the plant with gloves preferably and
wash thoroughly