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 an irritant
that can cause a reaction in the respiratory
tract.
Symptoms
Red pimples
extremely itchy,
swelling, blisters, burning, 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 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 of the
rash appearing.
Normally a person can be completely healed within
fourteen days of
first contact.
Treatment
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