Poison ivy is one of many plants that produce urushiol, which can cause allergic rashes. Such plants include poison oak and sumac, which grow in different geographical areas. All three plants cause the same rash. Additionally, urushiol can be found in mangoes and cashews. In the case of mangoes, peeling the fruit avoids dermatitis. People who eat this fruit with the peel on by touching parts of their skin may develop severe allergic reactions, usually around the mouth.
Although people are encouraged to learn to recognize these poisonous plants, this is difficult to do in practice because poison ivy and its varieties are often mixed in with other vegetation and become undetectable and are only discovered after the rash has begun. In situations where exposure to poison ivy is difficult to avoid, protecting the skin with some kind of covering (clothing) is best way prevent this problem.
CAUSES
Contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac causes a rash (contact dermatitis). The rash is caused by the plant's oil. This oil is an allergen, so the rash is an allergic reaction. Allergies to these plants do not appear until contact with their oils. Contact with oils can be either direct or indirect, through clothing, equipment and objects.Normally, the immune system protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies. During an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts and begins to fight harmless substances that seem to attack the body. This overreaction affects the skin, nose, lungs, digestive organs and circulatory system. When exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, the reaction appears as a rash.
- The leaves, branches, fruits and roots of these plants contain oil that does not disappear even after the plant dries out.
- The oil is odorless and colorless and spreads easily throughout the body.
- A rash can appear even with indirect contact with the oil. This contact can occur if you touch clothing, animal hair, sports equipment, gardening tools, or other objects that have been near the plant.
An allergic reaction is not an innate reaction. It only appears upon contact with them. If you have touched one of the plants one or more times, the body's immune system may recognize the oil as an allergen and an allergic reaction may occur. You may be more or less sensitive to these plants. In a more sensitive person, an allergic reaction may develop even to a small amount of the allergen and will be more severe.
SYMPTOMS
Rash from poison ivy exposure usually begins one or two days after exposure, although it may take up to several days from exposure to the appearance of the rash.The first manifestations of the rash appear at the folds in the form of redness, itching, swelling and pustules. They continue to appear for several days, depending on how much resin was applied to the area of skin. The rash appears to be "spreading" and the fluid in the blisters is only part of an allergic reaction and does not contain any chemicals or bacteria. Also, poison ivy lingers on clothing and pets. Repeated washing often does not produce any improvement.
The main symptoms of allergies to poison ivy, oak and sumac are:
- Red streaks or redness in the contact area,
- Small blisters or swelling (hives)
- Blisters that contain fluid that may leak. In some cases, the blisters may contain blood and may turn dark in color.
The rash can have several stages, and its severity may also vary. It usually appears 8-48 hours after contact with the plant. But it may appear after 15 days. The rash appears in new places within a few days, but only where there was contact with the plant. The fluid that drains from the blisters does not spread the rash. Parts of the body that have rougher skin are less sensitive to oil.
People who are more sensitive to the plant may develop symptoms that require treatment with medication. These symptoms include:
- Swelling of the face, mouth, neck, genitals and eyelids.
- A large number of blisters that release fluid.
- Ginko tree, which contains similar oils.
- Stinging nettle. This rash is not an allergic reaction.
- Scabies, itchy skin that is caused by mites.
- Shingles, a viral skin infection.
- Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection.
A similar skin reaction can be caused by an insect bite, contact with nickel and other metals, chemicals, which are found in fabrics, lotions and detergents.
Sensitivity to poison ivy, oak and sumac and the severity of the reaction depends on the age of the person and the duration of contact with the plant. Other factors include physical activity and immune system function. Some studies have shown that the tendency to allergies depends on heredity.
Consequences
In healthy people, complications of this reaction, as a rule, do not occur.- In people prone to acute allergic reactions, the rash can cover the entire body.
- Scratching the rash may cause skin lightening or bacterial infection.
- The rash may return if treatment is stopped too quickly or the medication is not strong enough.
- In rare cases, kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome) may occur. This can happen during any acute allergic reaction, not just plants.
TREATMENT
The rash is usually mild and can be treated at home. This treatment usually relieves symptoms but does not speed up the healing process.- If you know you have come into contact with one of these plants, wash the area of contact. Sometimes the rash may clear up completely after washing with plenty of water 10-15 minutes after contact. You can also use a product that is designed to remove oil from the skin.
- To relieve itching and dry blisters, apply a compress or soak the rash in cold water. Antihistamine tablets or calamine lotion can help relieve symptoms.
- If you have a moderate or severe reaction, you may need help from a doctor. He may prescribe corticosteroid tablets. These medications will help get rid of the rash more quickly. Creams, ointments and gels can also be used, but tablets are more effective.
However, since infections are a common complication of the rash, it is best to see a doctor. To avoid infection, try not to scratch the rash and keep your nails short to minimize the possibility of breaking the skin and spreading bacteria.
PREVENTION
Only the oil from the plant can cause a rash, so it is best to avoid contact with it.- Learn to recognize these plants, especially those growing near your home. Their appearance may vary depending on the time of year and environment.
- Although the type of plant changes, the amount of oils in it remains the same throughout the year, even in winter, when the plant has bare branches. Dark spots on the plant can help identify it (the oil turns dark when exposed to air). Both living and dead plants contain oil, but dry leaves contain only small amounts.
- You can remove the plant if possible. Never touch the plant without gloves.
- If you cannot avoid contact with the plant, wear clothing that covers your body as much as possible. It is necessary to handle carefully and thoroughly wash clothes and objects that were near the plant.
- If you are often in an area where these plants grow, you can purchase a special product that removes oils from the skin.
- Barrier creams and lotions can help avoid contact with the oil and reduce the severity of the reaction. These creams differ in their action and are not always effective.
If you suspect you have touched poison ivy, oak, or sumac, immediately wash the area of contact. In most cases, the oil is absorbed into the skin within 30 minutes. You should also wash your clothes immediately. Contaminated areas must be wiped with alcohol.
Poison ivy is a plant with which it is better to avoid direct contact, otherwise an allergic reaction will quickly manifest itself. It does not pose a serious threat to health, but the person experiences a rather unpleasant condition. Contact with ivy causes damage to any area of the skin. Moreover, rashes can appear even if you touch an object that was near this plant, be it garden tools, work clothes or animal fur.
Recognizing poison ivy is very difficult, since its varieties often resemble other plants, and only after the appearance of a rash can one assume that contact was with it. It is best to first protect yourself with closed clothing in cases where you have to deal with unfamiliar vegetation.
Skin rashes are caused by the oil contained in this product. It is a strong allergen. An allergic reaction does not occur to ivy itself, but as soon as contact with the oil occurs, even through other objects, its manifestation will be inevitable. What's most remarkable is that poison ivy is a plant that continues to retain this secretion even after the fruits, branches, leaves and roots dry out. It has neither odor nor color, and spreads easily throughout the body.
Typically, the rash begins to appear one to two days after exposure to the pathogen, but sometimes it can occur after a longer period of time. appear in the form of redness, itching, swelling, and small blisters. They cover the skin gradually over several days. It all depends on the amount of substance affecting the affected area. Sometimes the blisters contain blood or are dark in color.
There are several stages in the appearance of the rash. The degree of its severity also varies. It can occur after two weeks, but only in places of direct contact with the plant. The fluid flowing from the blisters does not contribute to their new appearance. Poison ivy is most likely to affect people with more sensitive skin. It can cause swelling of the face, eyelids, neck, and genitals. Sometimes you have to resort to drug treatment.
The severity of the allergic reaction is greatly influenced by the person’s age and the duration of contact with the poisonous plant. Scratching the affected areas can cause a bacterial infection. The rash continues to spread if treatment is not completed or the drugs are not effective enough.
The rashes caused by poison ivy are usually mild, and some treatment can be attempted at home. But usually this only ends in relieving the symptoms, and the treatment process does not speed up.
As has already been said, the appearance unpleasant consequences Only the oil contained in the plant contributes, so you should try to avoid contact with it. It is also useful to learn to recognize poisonous specimens, especially those growing in close proximity to housing. Appearance they vary depending on the time of year and habitat.
But regardless of the modification of the plant, the amount of oil in it does not change throughout the year, even in winter time when the branches are completely bare. It darkens when in contact with air, so the presence of such dark spots may help recognize danger. If possible, ivy should be removed, but at the same time you should dress so that your body is covered as much as possible, and in no case should you work without gloves. Clothing and items that come into contact with toxic oil must be handled with care and thoroughness.
If there is a suspicion that ivy has affected the skin, care for the affected surface should be done immediately, especially since the oil is absorbed within half an hour, so there is enough time to wash the area of contact.
Everyone knows that indoor plants are a source of beauty and benefit for the people who grow them. Plants give us their beauty and at the same time perform a number of useful functions: participate in the process of photosynthesis (absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen), and also maintain an optimal microclimate in the room (humidify the air).
However, not everything is so rosy: the plant world also has its outsiders - dangerous plants that can cause significant harm. Animals and children suffer especially badly from such representatives of the flora, because they are not able to distinguish potentially dangerous plant. That is why families with children and animals need to be especially careful when selecting house plants.
So, here are the 20 most dangerous indoor plants:
- Ivy evergreen– liana-shaped evergreen shrub, belonging to the Araliaceae family. The stems are long, curved, the leaves are dark green with a carved edge. The leaves and berries of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Cats, who are attracted to the lush greenery of the plant, suffer especially badly from ivy.
- - Very beautiful plant with bright greenery and magnificent flowers in white, pink or red, belonging to the heather family. The leaves of the plant are poisonous; they contain a toxic substance - a glycoside, which causes poisoning. It is necessary to place pots with azaleas in places inaccessible to children and animals. It is not recommended to keep azalea in the bedroom.
- - a plant with large decorative flowers and dense dark green leaves. The family to which cyclamen belongs is Primroses. Cyclamen tubers are especially poisonous; they contain a poison similar to that of curare. These same tubers are often used in folk medicine while taking all precautions.
- Trichocereus- an erect cactus with long curved spines. It blooms with white, strong-smelling flowers. The cactus contains hallucinogens and alkaloids that cause central paralysis nervous system. In the wild, cacti are protected from being eaten by animals using toxic substances.
- Croton- a representative of the Euphorbiaceae family. Very popular home plant with large beautiful leaves of original colors. Like many members of the spurge family, croton is poisonous. The poison is contained in the seeds and milky sap of the plant, which appears if a leaf or stem of a croton is broken off. If croton juice gets on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Spurge- a very popular houseplant, which gave its name to an entire genus (Euphorium). It looks like a mini palm tree: a tuft of dense green leaves sits at the top of a thick stem. Like the previous croton plant, milkweed has poisonous seeds and milky juice. Particular care must be taken when replanting the plant and other work with it.
- – the most popular house plant, very beautiful and decorative. Dieffenbachia is an evergreen shrub with large oval leaves of variegated color. Grows up to two meters in height. Unfortunately, all green parts of the plant (petioles and leaves) contain poison. You can get seriously poisoned if Dieffenbachia juice gets into your mouth. Animals that may inadvertently eat the plant suffer especially.
- Brunfelsia – indoor plant, especially common in America and Europe, a member of the nightshade family. Smells great and flowers bloom beautifully lilac color. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the fruits and seeds of Brunfelsia.
- - a spectacular plant that has recently become widespread in our homes. At the top of the thick, woody stem there is a bunch of green leaves and bright and large red flowers. Adenium is one of the most poisonous plants. To this day, adenium poison is used by African tribes to poison arrowheads. All parts of the plant are toxic and poisonous, but its milky sap is especially dangerous. If your family has pets, children, or someone in the family suffers from asthma, think carefully before you start growing adenium.
- - a magnificent house plant that blooms with very beautiful flowers, grouped into an umbrella of 12 or more flowers. The leaves of the plant are dense, glossy, elongated. The most poisonous parts of clivia are the leaves and roots. Great care must be taken when working with the plant and be sure to use rubber gloves.
- Gloriosa luxurious – exotic plant with very showy and unusual flowers that change color throughout the flowering period. At the same time, Gloriosa is one of the most poisonous houseplants. All parts of Gloriosa splendor are poisonous. Once in a living organism, the poison of the plant causes nausea and vomiting, and also leads to impaired kidney function and hair loss. To avoid such unpleasant consequences of poisoning, you should handle the plant very carefully. In addition, it is necessary to protect pets and children from contact with gloriosis.
- Ficus- a well-known inhabitant of many homes, one of the most popular plants in the whole world. The luxurious, rich greenery of ficus attracts many gardeners. Is this one really too pet poisonous? Of course, one cannot say so categorically. Ficus is on this list because the plant is a powerful allergen. Ficus sap is especially dangerous: if it gets on the skin, it can irritate and even burn. Don't be afraid to grow ficus trees in your homes, but still try to take precautions.
- Philodendron- a plant of the araceae family. Some philodendrons are vines, and some are bushy plants. Philodenron is especially prized for its beautiful, dense greenery. Unfortunately, philodendron juice, like many members of the aroid family, is poisonous, but only if it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes. If the plant is not damaged, it is not dangerous at all.
- Akalifa- a genus of plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, uniting about 400 plants. The peculiarity of Akalifa is leaves with patterns of unusual colors and inflorescences in the form of fluffy earrings. Akalifa is a slightly poisonous plant whose milky sap contains dangerous substances.
- - a large shrub plant, perfect for large rooms, greenhouses and winter gardens. Schefflera, like akalifa, is a slightly poisonous plant. It is unlikely that the cheflera will cause much harm to you, but still try to wash your hands whenever possible after contact with the plant.
- Primrose- a very beautiful plant with the most beautiful flowers different shades surrounded by velvety green leaves. Primrose is often placed in children's rooms because of the bright colors of the plant. However, all parts of the primrose are poisonous and pose a potential danger. Firstly, during flowering, primrose releases special substances - alkaloids, inhaling which you can feel nausea and dizziness. Moreover, if there are several plants, their impact is enhanced. Secondly, the poison is contained in the hairs of primrose leaves. If you touch the leaves of the plant, the poison may cause burning and itching. If you always rinse your hands under water after contact with the plant, the primrose will not cause any harm.
- - a plant belonging to the nightshade family. Represents small bush, reaching a height of 35 cm, blooming with purple, blue and white flowers. Brovalia beautiful is a poisonous plant. All parts of brovalia contain poison, which negatively affects the body when it gets inside or onto the mucous membranes. Most often, children and pets suffer when they come into contact with the plant, so it is very important to keep the plant in a hard-to-reach place.
- Monstera- A popular indoor plant that reaches impressive sizes. Typically, Monstera is grown in public spaces, as well as in greenhouses and winter gardens. Monstera leaves are large, dense, rich green in color, with slits along the edges. Before you start growing monstera in your home, think carefully. The plant has very poisonous juice that can burn the skin of the body or even damage the eyes. Symptoms of monstera poisoning are a burning sensation in the mouth, excessive salivation, and inflammation of the digestive system.
- Pachypodium Lamera, the second name of the plant is Madagascar palm. The lamera has a thick, spiny stem, similar to a cactus, the top of which is crowned with a rosette of elongated leaves. Pachypodium has a poisonous and toxic milky sap, which is released when the plant is damaged. However, this juice has no effect on the skin and can only be dangerous if it comes into contact with wounds and mucous membranes. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant, and it will not cause you any harm.
- - a plant of the araceae family. The main value of the plant is its luxurious greenery: large, dense leaves of rich color, often with a bizarre pattern. The plant perfectly purifies the air in the apartment and kills many pathogenic bacteria. However, at the same time, you need to remember that the milky juice of aglaonema is dangerous. Juice is released when the plant is damaged, for example when a leaf breaks, so when replanting aglaonema, be sure to use rubber gloves.
An attentive reader will probably have noticed that some plant families are repeated especially often in this list: Aroidaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Kutraaceae, Solanaceae. Indeed, representatives of these particular families are especially poisonous and require the most careful handling.
Kutrov family considered the most dangerous family of houseplants in the world. Prominent representatives of the Kutrovaceae are adenium and pachypodium; this family also includes dipladenia, plumeria, allamanda, strophanthus, carissa and other plants. When working with plants of the cutraceae family, exercise extreme caution, always use rubber gloves and grow these plants out of the reach of children and pets.
Family Araceae It is also distinguished by a large number of poisonous house plants: alocasia, aglaonema, monstera, dieffenbachia, philodendron, spathiphyllum, anthurium, syngonium. Almost all plants of the aroid family contain toxic substances: oxalic acid, proteins and enzymes, which are often used as components of drugs household chemicals due to their caustic properties. The sap from such plants is especially dangerous, so if the plant is damaged, handle it as carefully as possible.
Family Euphorbiaceae includes many plants that are popular on our windowsills: milkweed, croton, akalifa. Poisonous substance Euphorin is part of the milky juice of almost all euphorbias. If it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes, euphorin can cause burning, burns and inflammation. Be careful when handling spurge family plants and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
Nightshade family Probably everyone knows, because the most popular edible plants - potatoes and tomatoes - belong to this family. Houseplants of the nightshade family are brovallia, brunfelsia, and capsicum, often grown at home. The most poisonous part of nightshades are the berries, which, if ingested, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and subsequently unhealthy drowsiness and lethargy. Be careful to ensure that your child or pet does not eat the berries of these plants.
And in conclusion: many plants are poisonous, to a greater or lesser extent, however, most of them are successfully cultivated by humans. It may not be a good idea to buy a plant that could harm you and your family. However, if you decide to grow a potentially dangerous plant, make every effort to minimize its danger. Do not allow children and animals to come into contact with such a plant, do not place it near the bed, always wash your hands after working with it, use rubber gloves. If you follow these simple rules, the plant will not be able to cause any harm and will delight you with its natural beauty.
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Poison ivy ( Rhus radicans), mainly found in North America. Similar plant, poison oak ( Toxicodendron diversilobum), mainly found in northwestern and northeastern America. Both plants contain urushiol oil, to which nearly half the population of the United States is allergic. The oil is transmitted by touching or inhaling smoke when such a plant burns. By learning to recognize this plant, you can avoid encounters with it.
Steps
Part 1
Let's recognize character traits plants- Poison ivy it is climbing plant, which can grow as a bush or a separate plant. If the plant grows in a mountainous area, it will often twine around other plants. If a plant has sprouted near a tree or fence, it will twine and grow into hedge through which it is not so easy to get through.
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“Did you see the triple leaves? Don't touch them!" or ""One two is three? Take your hands off"", these sayings appeared because these plants have three leaves at the end of a long stem. You can recognize a plant by its leaves by the following signs:
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Look at the berries. If the plant has berries, then the following signs will tell you that it is ivy:
- Both plants have translucent berries
- Berries poison oak usually fleecy
- Poison ivy berries are white or cream-colored
- The berries remain on the plants all winter and spring.
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Remember that even when poison ivy or oak changes color, it is still poisonous. Although the color changes, urushiol oil still remains in the leaves.
Part 2
Accurately identify poison ivy and oak on field trips and elsewherePart 3
Additional points to watch out for- Teach children not to touch plants that they do not know while walking. This is how you should behave in nature. This is especially important in winter when there are no leaves to identify.
- If you are allergic to these plants, learn to recognize them. An acute attack of an allergic reaction can cause serious harm to health. Until you can immediately recognize the plant, carry a photo of it with you.
- Carry Technu soap or other special soap with you and use it immediately if there is an exacerbation.
- If the rash does appear, try to keep it in the air for as long as possible. Fresh air speeds up healing.
- After walking, carefully wash all exposed skin. Before touching your body with your hands, wash them first. Wash in warm water with soap. Regular hard soap will not help. You can use liquid detergent for dishes. To remove poison ivy oil, apply a cleanser and rinse thoroughly.
- If you get into poison ivy, change your shoelaces. The oil may remain on the laces and continue to cause irritation.
- Within two or three days after possible contact, look to see if a rash appears. If it appears, start treating it immediately. To do this, read the article on how to treat irritation from poison ivy and oak.
- You may also become infected or have an allergic reaction from outdoor cats.
- Keep an eye on your dog when you let him off leash. Allergies to oil from poison ivy leaves are not limited to people. You may not notice it from your dog's skin, which is hidden under his fur: check his belly. Feed your dog carefully so that oil particles from it do not get on your skin. If you think your dog may have an allergy, bathe him thoroughly. To avoid all these problems, when walking with your dog in the forest or bushes, keep it on a leash. Just like you do when walking your dog in public place. This will be polite to other people!
- These plants can also be found in Bermuda and the Bahamas.
Warnings
- Never burn poison ivy to get rid of it. The oil on the leaves will burn, you will inhale the smoke and there is a chance that it will get into your throat and lungs, making breathing painful and difficult.
- Poison ivy can become confused with wild grapes, so never just walk through wild grapes or the consequences could be serious. Keep in mind that it is very easy to confuse poison ivy with wild grapes. Even though wild grapes cinquefoil, it can still be easily confused with poison ivy.
What you will need
- a photograph or picture that you will carry with you to identify the plant. You can easily store photos on your smartphone or other device.
- When walking in nature, hiking or climbing, first aid for rashes from contact with poisonous plants is very important.
- A degreaser, such as dish soap or poisonous plant soap (not regular soap)
Find a plant. Poison ivy and poison oak can be found everywhere—forests, fields, your own garden, vacant lots. It all depends on where you live. These plants especially like to grow along fences and stone walls, they like to grow in secluded corners of forests, fields, and also in sunny places.
Poison ivy is a plant that is difficult to recognize. It can grow either as a bush or as a vine. Contact with poison ivy can cause skin inflammation, damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock.
Causes of Poison Ivy Poisoning
Poison ivy poisoning is caused by a mixture of pentadecylcatecholamines (for which one common name is urushiol) contained in the juice of its leaves. The juice containing urushiol, in contact with oxygen, acquires the consistency of black and white paint.
Urushiol may cause an allergic reaction such as skin inflammation, which in some cases can lead to anaphylactic shock. Poison ivy poisoning can also occur from eating the leaves or inhaling the vapors from smoking it.
Food poisoning can occur either from accidentally eating ivy leaves or from getting them into the herbal mixture. Urushiol remains active for several days, so contact with a dead plant can also lead to an allergic reaction.
Juice from the leaves, first falling, for example, on the fur of animals, and then on the hands of the owner, can also cause inflammation of the skin. Therefore, tools, objects or clothing that have come into contact with poison ivy should be washed to prevent further transmission of poison urushiol.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy Poisoning
Poisoning by poison ivy manifested by the appearance of itchy erythema and a purple rash, which is of the vesicular type. Skin inflammation develops. Symptoms appear about a week after exposure to poison ivy and can last one to 4 weeks. The poison that gets into the skin follicles has no tendency to spread to other parts of the body.
Ivy toxins or herbal medicines, which contain it, lead to damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, and this, in turn, can cause dangerous inflammation of the stomach and intestines. If ivy leaves are burned, there is a risk of smoke inhalation causing a rash in the lungs, causing pain and severe damage to the airways.
Treating Poison Ivy Poisoning
Poison ivy poisoning is treated primarily symptomatically. In the case of contact dermatitis, attempts are made to reduce itching and pain. Basic treatment includes washing the skin thoroughly with soap and water or a cleanser. This should be done as soon as possible after contact with the plant. Soap or other detergent is necessary because urushiol is hydrophobic (insoluble in water).
In places where it grows poison ivy, preparations containing special surfactants to dissolve urushiol are available. Treatment also includes ointments and creams containing antihistamines or glucocorticosteroids, as well as oral antihistamines. The most commonly taken is diphenhydramine. Skin cooling medications are used to reduce itching and pain.
