Plant Allergies And Poisonings
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the common skin irritants among plants. Some persons are susceptible to poisoning by these plants, while others can handle them with impunity. Strangely, persons may develop a sensitivity to the irritating oils produced by these plants even after a previous period of immunity. In highly sensitive persons large areas of skin may become involved, and the individual may be acutely ill, requiring hospitalization.
WHAT TO DO
Antihistamine preparations are of some help in relieving the itching. Many cases respond to the administration of cortisone or hydrocortisone preparations, used under direction of a physician.
The use of wet dressings on the involved areas is helpful, the dressings being kept moist by boric acid or Epsom salts solution. Calamine lotion also helps in some cases.
