Poison ivy and poison oak are the two most dangerous plants in North America. The two plants produce a chemical in the oil of their leaves which in turn causes burning sensation, blistering, itching and redness of the skin. The plants have no respect to persons, sex, race or even economic status; and at least each year, thousands of people are said to be afflicted with severe dermatitis from touching these two plants.
Poison ivy is a common cause of contact dermatitis and it is one of the many plants that produce a resin known as urushiol, which is responsible for causing the allergic rash. It is more common in the Eastern US while poison oak is more in the Southeast. Poison ivy/poison oak are very common in appearance. The tissues found in these plants contain poisonous oil that resembles carbolic acid, which is extremely irritating when it comes into contact with the skin. Acquiring it is so easy; it may be brushed onto your clothing or by touching those who have come into contact with the plants. Other people have been poisoned by removing their sandals or shoes after walking through poison ivy/poison oak. You can get poisoning from other affected people who still have the oil on their skin though the eruptions themselves are not a source of infections.
Scientifically, the plants belong to the cashew family where poison ivy is classified as Rhus radicans, and poison oak as R. diversiloba.
Identifying the plants
These plants can be amazing to look at. They have shiny colored leaves; and they usually turn yellow, orange and red throughout the year. In the spring and early summer, they become extremely tender which causes them to bruise faster. Once this happens and the sap slips on your skin, you will have a reaction of the sap itself.
For those who have had earlier contact with the plants, they will be able to identify it on spot. Just immediately, those who are allergic to the plants will start to itch when they come into contact with the plants and when the itching becomes severe, the skin will start developing red rashes causing it to blister.
Control and treatment for these plants
Much effort has been made to get rid of these plants by uprooting or use of chemicals through spraying. The problem is that these plants are so popular that they have overpowered these methods as far as eliminating them is concerned. The best remedy is to avoid contact with the plants. One should wash the skin immediately with plenty of soap and cold water. In case of poisoning, the blisters can be treated with dressings of calamite lotion, bicarbonate soda or Epsom salts.
Other treatments include the use of jewelweed plant, which is done by breaking the plant, and then you have it rubbed over the skin with the open stem. This treatment is meant to counteract the poison of the urushiol oil presents in the plants.
It is most advisable to seek treatment immediately once you get into contact with these poisonous plants so that you can prevent it from spreading to other people and becoming severe.
