Safety with Poisonous Plants

We sometimes forget how much our children are at risk for exposure to poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. When these plants come in contact with skin, the sap oil (urushiol) can cause an allergic reaction. Tonight, on House Call, a medical professional from UHC explains how to keep your children safe this summer while enjoying the great outdoors.

1). How can you protect children from poisonous plants?

If you follow these simple suggestions, your child should be protected when they go on an adventure this summer. Make sure to create a barrier to protect your child’s skin by wearing:

• Long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves (if necessary). Wash exposed clothing separately in hot water with detergent.
• Barrier skin creams, such as lotion containing bentoquatum, may offer some protection.
• After use, clean toys or tools with rubbing alcohol or soap and lots of water. Urushiol can remain active on the surface of objects for up to five years. Wear disposable gloves during this process.

2). What are the symptoms of plant exposure?

You will want to carefully examine your child for any of the following symptoms:

• Red rash within a few days of contact
• Swelling
• Itching
• Possible bumps, patches, streaking, or blisters

3). If you think your child has been exposed to a poisonous plant, what should you do?

Take immediate action to:

• Rinse the skin with rubbing alcohol, poison plant wash, or degreasing soap (such as dishwashing soap) or detergent, and lots of water. Rinse frequently so wash solutions do not dry on the skin and further spread the urushiol.
• Scrub under your nails with a brush.
• Apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to the skin to reduce itching and blistering. Oatmeal baths may relieve itching.
• An antihistamine may help relieve itching.
• In severe cases, seek professional medical attention.
• Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room if you have a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, or have had a severe reaction in the past.

This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.

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