Plants Causing Contact Dermatitis
Forest Health Guide for Georgia Foresters
Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network
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Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause intense itching and dermatitis when contacted by sensitive persons (Figure 228). The poisonous ingredient of these plants is urushiol and it is found in the sap of bruised plant parts (roots, stems, flowers, fruit, leaves, and pollen). Contact may be direct or indirect such as touching an animal or item that came in contact with the plant. Droplets of sap can even be contacted from burning the plants. Persons should become familiar with the plants and learn to avoid them. If contact is accidentally made with one of the plants the area of the skin affected should be washed immediately with soapy water. An antihistamine cream or steroid cream may help relieve itching. However; a physician should be contacted for
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Figure 228 - Poison Ivy
photo by Terry Price |
diagnosis and treatment. Over-the-counter products are now available that can be applied to the skin that will block the poison from entering the skin. Information about these products can be obtained from your local pharmacist.
Miscellaneous Hazards
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There are many hazards of the forest other than creepy, crawly things and poisonous plants. Awareness of these hazards will often suffice in preventing an accident. Common man made hazards are abandoned water wells that were left uncovered, and downed fencing (Figure 229). Natural hazards would be stump holes, exposed roots, dead trees and snags. Old rubbish piles in the forest may indicate an abandoned house site. If so an abandoned well may be nearby that is still open. Stump
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Figure 229 - Abandoned, uncovered water well
photo by Terry Price |
holes, roots and fencing can be avoided by watching where you step. Standing dead trees and snags are common hazards in the forest. They should be avoided particularly on days when the wind is gusting above 20 miles per hour.
Lightning strikes to trees are very common throughout the South. People should avoid going into the forest whenever thunderstorms are looming. However, if caught, one shoudl not seek shelter under a lone tree.
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