Leaves of Three, Let Them Be...Poisonous Plants Can Cause Itchy Rashes Which Make No Fun While Camping

You've heard the old poisonous plants saying - Leaves of Three, Let Them Be. That is a good thing to remember while camping. You will find many different species of plants all through the campground or wooded areas.

You will find poison ivy, poison oak and sumac growing on the ground or wrapped around trees. Poison Ivy tends to grow on a vine which spreads around the tree trunk area. You can find it growing over the ground surface. DO NOT TOUCH IT!! You will have an itchy rash develop on your skin within a short time. This poisonous plant has an oil that forms on the plant surface and when contacted, is brushed onto the skin. This oil will form tiny blisters on the skin where touched. These blisters spread when scratched. The best thing you can do is not scratch the affected area. It can be passed to other people if the oil is on the skin when contact is made.

Poison Oak and Sumac grow on small shrubs. These also have three leaves and is equally as toxic as the poison ivy. You will find these plants in wooded and wet areas. These also cause itchy skin rashes that will spread if scratched.

The BAD news - You will have great discomfort and itchy rashes develop from contact with any of these plants. It will spread to other skin areas if touched by the oil. Swelling can occur at the affected area. These areas can also become tender or inflammed. Oozing or draining of the blisters may occur.

The GOOD news - You can reduce the swelling and inflammation with a topical corticosteroid such as hydrocortizone cream. Anti-itch lotions can help, also. Upon contact with these plants, wash the affected area with warm, soapy water. Apply topical steroid sparingly. Do not rub or cover the affected area. You may not need to apply any kind of cream if you get to the soap and water quickly. Pat dry and do not rub the skin.

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