Poison ivy (Toxidendron radicans)

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Poison ivy is known to be a plant of infamy because it can cause contact dermatitis. Most people cannot identify this plant, which is characterized by its three-leaf clusters. Identification is made difficult by the fact that this plant can grow both as a bush and as a tree-like climber that climbs trees and fences.

Symptoms of skin irritation caused by this plant are very characteristic. Depending on the degree of sensitivity, itchy erythema and vesicular rash may appear several hours to several days after contact, which may persist for up to 10 days. Skin vesicle fluid does not have the ability to spread poison to other parts of the body or to other people. Eating ivy or herbal remedies that contain it can cause severe gastroenteritis.

Treatment

It is usually symptomatic. It is pointless to rinse the irritated area with soapy water, if not started within the first minutes of contact with the plant.

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