Are you aware of poisonous plants that cause severe skin allergies? (Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac Allergy)

Have you ever been out for a walk in the woods or after cleaning your garden and suddenly your body started to turn red and itch unbearably? Maybe you even got small blisters. This is what happens when you come into contact with plants like the common ragweed in our country. But did you know that, especially in Western countries like America, there are several types of plants that cause similar but more severe allergies? Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac are three such plants. It is very important to be aware of this if you or a friend of yours is traveling abroad.

Why are these plants so bad for the body?

All three plants contain an oily, sticky substance called Urushiol, found in the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant. Simply put, Urushiol is the main culprit in causing skin allergies. It can happen right after you come into contact with one of these plants, or it can happen a few days later, and your skin will start to develop red, itchy bumps.

Just think, if you touch a garden tool, camping equipment, or even the fur of your pet that has run through one of these plants, you could get urushiol on your skin. These plants retain this toxic oil even after they die.

How this allergy develops (Allergic Contact Dermatitis)

This skin condition is medically known as Allergic Contact Dermatitis , which means it is an allergy caused by something coming into contact with the skin.

The amazing thing is that the first time someone comes into contact with this `(Urushiol)`, they usually don't show any allergic reaction. Here's what happens: The first time, your skin sends a signal to your immune system that "here's a new enemy." Then, the immune system remembers this enemy and prepares to attack it the next time it enters your body. That's why, the second or subsequent time you come into contact with this plant, you can have a severe allergic reaction.

How do you identify these plants?

All three types of plants are commonly found in countries like America .

• Poison Ivy: Usually has three leaves on one stalk. That's why there's a saying, "Leaves of three, let it be."
• Poison Oak: This is similar to Poison Ivy, but the leaves are shaped like the leaves of an oak tree.
• POI son Sumac: This grows like a large bush. It has 7-13 leaves arranged in pairs on a single stem. It has clusters of green fruits hanging down.

What are the symptoms of this allergy?

The symptoms of allergies caused by all three plants are similar because they all contain the same chemical, ``Urushiol.`` The symptoms usually appear in this order.

How is this treated?

Don't worry, although this allergy cannot be completely cured, the symptoms can be controlled.

• For mild cases: Bathe in cool water and use an ointment like Calamine Lotion to reduce itching.
• For severe cases: If the allergy is severe, or if it affects sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals, you should definitely see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe steroid creams or pills like Prednisone to control the itching and inflammation.

Is this disease spreading? Is it contagious?

This is a misconception that many people have. These diseases do not spread from one place to another or from one person to another.

So why do spots sometimes seem to pop up out of nowhere? There are several reasons for that.

1. If you still have Urushiol oil on your hands, you may get new rashes on the areas you touch.

2. It takes longer for `(Urushiol)` to be absorbed into the thickest areas of our body, such as the soles of our feet. Therefore, the lesions appear late in those areas. Then we may think that the lesions are spreading.

3. If clothes, shoes, equipment, etc. that have been contaminated with the plant are not properly cleaned, touching them again may cause the allergy to recur.

Most importantly: These toxins cannot be spread by scratching or by the fluids in the blisters, as those fluids do not contain `(Urushiol)`.

What should you do if you accidentally come into contact with this plant?

• Remove any clothing immediately.
• Wash all areas that have been touched by the plant thoroughly with cool running water . Use soap if possible.
• Don't forget to clean under your nails .
• Wash and clean your clothes, shoes, used equipment, and even your pets thoroughly.

When should you seek immediate medical attention?

If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) .

In such a situation, if you are in Sri Lanka, you can seek further advice from the National Poison Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital.

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