Poison
Ivy, Oak and Sumac
These three plants
are responsible
for more cases of dermatitis than any other substances. When contact is
made with any part of the plant a rash develops on the skin which is
caused
by a reaction to a chemical compound in the resin called urushiol that
is found worldwide. When the plant is burned, the smoke is also
irritant
and can cause a reaction in the respiratory tract.
Symtoms
Red pimples
extremely itchy,
swelling, blisters, burning, inflammation, fever and/or inflammation in
the face or genitals area. The appearance of the symptoms can be
between
anywhere from a few hours to seven or ten days after contact with the
plant.
It can then spread rapidly during the next three days, especially with
scratching.
The areas most
likely to
be affected are hands, arms, face or legs. Scratching the rash can
spread
the inflammation to other parts of the body. Redness, swelling and
itching
usually begin to heal after the second day that the rash appears.
Normally a person can be completely healed within fourteen days of
contact.
Treatment
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