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Do you know the poisonous plants in your area? Knowing
this information is very IMPORTANT. Contact with the poison
oak, poison ivy or poison sumac can make your life miserable
for weeks!
The signs of exposure to these plants will begin to appear
within one to two days of contact. If you become exposed
when Romantic Camping you will likely NOT be alone in
your misery. The poisonous oils from these plants can
be easily transferred through physical contact. Save yourself
(and stress on your relationship) by identifying and completely
avoiding the following plants:
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Poison Ivy:
Identified by almond-shaped leaves that appear in
groups of three. Poison ivy also has grayish white
berries and a hairy vine. Common in the Eastern part
of the United States, this plant is found in sun-exposed
areas and grows typically as groundcover or as a climbing
vine. The following verse might help you remember
poison ivy: “Leaves of three, let it be; berries white,
danger in sight.” |
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Poison Oak:
Identified by three leaves with toothed or lobed edges
that resemble the leaves of an oak tree. Poison oak
leaves are bright green in the spring and turn red
in the summer and fall. This poisonous plant grows
as a dense shrub in open sunlight or as a climbing
vine in the shade. Poison oak is extremely common
along the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada.
Remember, “leaves of three, let it be”. |
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Poison Sumac:
Identified by smooth leaves with seven to nine leaves
per stem. Leaves typically have a highly visible red
veins. It is found in very wet and swampy areas. Fortunately,
this poisonous plant is NOT very common. It is unlikely
you will encounter poison Sumac while Romantic Camping
unless you find camping in swampy areas Romantic?
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Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts can help protect
you if you are hiking or camping in areas with poisonous
plants. However, the oils from these plants can be transferred
from your clothes to your skin. If you suspect contact
with one of these plants be sure to remove your clothing
and wash it separately in hot water with detergent.
If your skin comes into contact with the plant oils wash
your skin with warm water (not hot) and soap. Then apply
rubbing alcohol to the affected area.
Should you catch a rash from these nasty plants treat
your skin gently. Don’t scratch the itch. This makes your
infection much worse. Don’t take hot showers. This also
can spread the rash.
Hydrocortisone cream may offer some temporary relief.
If your reaction is severe or if you inhaled smoke from
these plants you will want to go to the hospital for treatment.
They can issue you Prednisone which can help speedup your
recovery.
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