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Chapter 17

Plant-Induced Dermatitis

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis

  • About 85% of the population is sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
  • The resin of these plants is a colorless or slightly yellow, light oil.
    • Not visible on human skin
    • Spreads by direct contact
    • Can stay active for months or years

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Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

  • Low bushes or climbing vines
  • Waxy, broad, green leaves in summer
  • Brown to red leaves in fall
  • Leaflets grow in groups of three.

© Thomas Photography LLC/Alamy.

© Thomas J. Peterson/Alamy.

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Poison Sumac

  • Found in damp, swampy areas

Courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service.

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis: �What to Look For

  • Itching
    • Mild dermatitis
  • Itching and swelling
    • Moderate dermatitis
  • Itching, swelling, and blisters
    • Severe dermatitis

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis: �What to Do�(1 of 4)

  • If within 1 hour of an exposure:
    • Gently wipe skin with rubbing alcohol. Do not use packaged alcohol wipes.
    • Wash skin with soap and cold water. Rinse with cold water.
    • Do not use gasoline.

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis: �What to Do�(2 of 4)

  • For mild reaction (itching):
    • Apply any of the following:
      • Colloidal oatmeal bath
      • Baking soda paste
      • Calamine lotion
      • Aluminum acetate solution
      • Physician-prescribed medication
      • Over-the-counter hydrocortisone

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis: �What to Do�(3 of 4)

  • For moderate reaction (itching and swelling):
    • Same care as mild reaction.
    • Apply a physician-prescribed steroid ointment.

© pinkannjoh/age fotostock.

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Plant-Induced Dermatitis: �What to Do�(4 of 4)

  • For severe reaction (itching, swelling, and blisters):
    • Same care as mild reaction.
    • Apply physician-prescribed topical or oral steroid.
    • Evacuate if the person inhaled smoke from a burning plant or if reaction involves face, eyes, genitals, or large area of the body.

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Stinging Nettle

  • Has stinging hairs on its stem and leaves.
  • Fine needlepoint penetrates the skin and injects an irritating chemical.
  • Effects result from a direct irritant effect of the plant’s sap.

© Adam Jan Figel / ShutterStock

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Stinging Nettle Poisoning: �What to Look For

  • Effects are limited to exposed area.
  • Response is usually immediate.
  • Produces some degree of:
    • redness;
    • burning; and
    • itching.

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Stinging Nettle Poisoning: �What to Do

  • Wash area with soap and water.
  • Apply cold, wet pack.
  • Apply calamine lotion.
  • Take an over-the-counter antihistamine.