TROUBLESOME TRIO

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are three plants that contain urushiol, an oily compound that can cause allergic dermatitis.   People who have experienced the rash, itching, and blistering skin reactions triggered by urushiol try hard to avoid any future contact with plants containing it.  While the plants may be easily recognized, not all rashes are caused by direct contact with them.  Rashes may also develop after touching pets, toys, or gardening tools that have urushiol on them from plant contact.  Symptoms can also develop in the nose, mouth, throat, and airways from inhaling urushiol that is released into the air when plants are burned.  Allergists can prescribe topical and oral steroids to relieve severe skin reactions.

P.S.  Be sure to seek immediate medical help if airway swelling makes breathing difficult after exposure to burning poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.



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