Poison Ivy

The poisonous ivy (Rhus radicans) distinguishes itself by its three pointed leaves which are developed in places of humid shade and, it is important that you become familiar enough good with this scrub before leaving to the mountain.

PLACE OF THE POISON:

All the parts of the ivy, including polen, are potentially irritator of the skin. Be very carefull!

TYPE OF POISON:

Volatile oils that can cause severe reactions in the skin, specially in spring and summer, when the plants are growing quickly. All are not equally sensitive to this toxin. The children develop allergic reactions after several contacts, but its effect and rapidity can be increased conforms grow. The magnitude of the symptoms is greater in cold places and dry, the heat and the humidity diminish the effect of the toxin.

TYPICAL SCENE OF POISONING:

An accidental contact during an excursion, camping, or some other activity outdoors. Some, but not all, the places where it inhabits the ivy are noticeable with announcements warning this danger.

SINTOMS:

Most of people it knows that the ivy causes itching, irritation, and reddening of the skin, with grains appearing up to five days after the contact. Scratching in contaminated areas it only scatters the toxin and it must be avoided. More serius reactions includes very bad headache, fever, and grains. If the grains burst by scratching themselves, the liquids will distribute the contamination to healthy places of the body; also a great risk of infection exists.

In order to deal with victims the poisonous ivy, first clear all contaminated clothes and shoes, and wash them carefully without touching them. Residual oils of the plant that are in the clothes, can contaminate easily any person (last for years) if not washed well with water and soap.

Then wash all the infected skin with strong soap using enough water, then use alcohol at the exposed area. The creams of antiestaminicos usually are effective, as well as tinctura (alcohol extract) of calendula also helps to diminish the itch.