EMERGENCE OF LAKE COUNTY'S POISONOUS PLANTS

Man versus weed.  It's a constant battle in Florida and every spring the enemy starts to get the upper hand.    As residents struggle to gain control over unwanted plants, they often inadvertently tackle two toxic varieties with painful results.   

Like dandelions and clover, poison ivy and stinging nettles make their appearance this time of year.  Both of these plants have toxins that are highly irritable to human skin and can cause severe reactions and rashes. Poison ivy's sap, urushiol, causes the reaction and is present in the plant's leaves, stems and roots.   Stinging nettles have tiny hairs loaded with a toxin that act as the plant's defense mechanism.  These fine hairs get lodged into the skin.

Use the photos (at right) to help identify these plants.  If you have the misfortune of coming across either plant, here are some suggestions:

POISON IVY

• After becoming aware of the exposure, don't touch any other part of your body (especially your face)
  
• Don't scratch.  The toxin from Poison Ivy is in its sap, so don't spread it and create a larger infected area. Scratching can also cause infection.
  
• Wash affected area with cold water (hot water opens your pores to the toxins and can worsen the reaction) 
  
• Rinse or gently dab area with apple cider vinegar which can help break down the sap, reduce itching and dry out the rash.  It may sting briefly.
  
• Consider a topical antihistimine (Benedryl gel is fine)
  
• If you have it on your face or the reaction becomes severe, seek immediate medical attention.
  
• Thoroughly wash everything that may have come in contact with the plant (garden tools, shoes, clothing, pet), otherwise the sap doesn't leave and can irritate your skin again later.
  

STINGING NETTLES

• Apply light adhesive tape on affected areas and pull it off (this helps remove toxic plant hairs deposited into your skin.  
  
• Wash area with cold water to relieve the skin and help remove nettle hairs.
  
• Dab area with hydrogen peroxide
  
• Consider a topical antihistimine (Benedryl gel or similar)
  
• If you have it on your face or the reaction becomes severe, seek immediate medical attention.
  

To help prevent exposure, wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, gloves and closed two shoes while working in your yard.

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Poison Ivy

Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Poison Ivy