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Featured Articles

EMERGENCE OF LAKE COUNTY'S POISONOUS PLANTS

3/30/2015

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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.

Get more local news www.MountDoraBuzz.com 
Picture
Poison Ivy
Picture
Stinging Nettle
Picture
Stinging Nettle
Picture
Poison Ivy
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  • Home
  • News
    • Top Stories
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    • Business & Real Estate
    • Outdoor Life
    • Real Estate Buzz
    • Government & Education
    • Profiles
    • Newsworthy
    • What's Hot...
    • Development Buzz
    • Who Knew?
    • Buzz Polls
  • Calendar
  • Festivals & Events
    • Annual Festivals
    • Monthly Events
    • Fall Festivals & Halloween Events
    • Best Local Pumpkin Patches
    • Holiday Event Guide
    • Mount Dora Community Toy Drive
  • The Best of....
    • Best of Mount Dora
    • Best of Eustis
    • Best of Tavares
    • Best of Mount Dora Take-out
  • Things to Do
  • Dining
  • Live Music
  • Lodging
  • Photos
    • Doors of Mount Dora
    • City Scenes
    • Colorful Cottages of Mount Dora
    • Holiday Lights
    • Views from Above
    • Palm Island Boardwalk
    • July 4th Americana
    • Vintage Photos
    • Donnelly House
    • Sydonie Mansion
    • The Howey Mansion
  • History
  • Mobile App
  • Contact
    • News Desk
    • Advertising Inquiries
    • Writing Services & Content Marketing
    • Design Services
    • Social Media Services
    • Suggest a Restaurant Visit
    • Submit Pic of the Day
  • Subscribe