SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 28
Preventing Skin Irritations Caused by Plants By: Cari Elofson Environmental Health and Safety Department 657.278.7233 (S-A-F-E)
Common Plant Irritations Irritating plants can cause: Cuts  Puncture wounds Itchy, irritated skin Painful blisters  Rashes Boils
Skin Irritations – Sharp-edged or pointed leaves Agave or Yucca have needle-sharp leaves Can cut or cause skin abrasion Pampas grass looks soft, but actually have razor-sharp edges  Can easily slice/cut skin
Skin Irritations - Thorns ,[object Object],Rose Bushes Bougainvillea Crown of Thorns Wild Blackberries/ Raspberries Always remove thorns to prevent infection.
Skin Irritations – Spines and Glochids Spines – large barbed spines barrel cactus Glochids - very fine, hair-like, barbed thorns prickly pear can become embedded at the slightest touch hard to see to remove
First Aid for Spines, Glochids & Thorns Use Tweezers. Some spines are barbed, causing intense pain when removed. Use “Comb Method” of removal for spines. Insert teeth of comb between the barb and skin. Quickly flip comb (and cactus) away from body. Use “Duct Tape Method” Adhere a piece of duct tape over the spines and pull it off.
Skin Irritation – Stem and Leaf Hairs Stem and leaf hairs  fine hairs found on the stems and leaves of plants  harmless-looking but cause skin irritation Local plants include: Borage Forget-me-nots Sunflowers
Skin Irritation – Barely-There Irritant Fibers Tulips cause skin abrasions very small, almost invisible fibers People who frequently handle tulips bulbs can get a condition called "tulip fingers“.  Caused the irritating fibers and a chemical in the bulb.
Skin Irritation – Stinging  Stinging plants have nettles.  Touching a nettle can cause a toxic reaction.  doesn’t last long  has no lasting effect First aid Wash with soap & water Apply antihistamine cream Nettle leaf close up
Common Allergenic Plants Cause allergic reactions in some people.  Pollen in these plants can cause hay fever or asthma. Include:  Orchids Chrysanthemums Dahlias Hyacinths
“The Poison Three” Poison Ivy Poison Oak Poison Sumac Relatives of the cashew, mango, and the sumacs. Over ½ of all the people in the U.S. are sensitive or allergic. Cause severe allergic reactions if a person comes in contact with them. All three contain the same poison called “Urushiol”.
Poison Ivy Found in West except for  desert regions of California, Nevada and Arizona.  Found in wooded areas.  Grows as a shrub, ground cover and tree-climbing vine.  Green leaves that typically form bundles of three on one purple stem. Rarely grows above 5000 ft.
Poison Oak Usually not found above 4000 feet elevation. More common in the western U.S. Commonly grows as a shrub from 1 to 6 feet tall Leaves are shaped somewhat like oak leaves. Leaves usually grow in groups of three on a shared stalk.
Poison Sumac Shrub or small tree up to 20ft. Found all over the U.S. Found in wet, wooded areas. Long stem with many leaves of both green and purplish red colors with a red stem. In Fall, colors range from bright yellow to deep purple.
Getting Rid of “The Poison Three” Wear protective gloves and clothing! Uproot it in late fall, when it has a minimum of poison. NEVER burn it! Smoke carries the oil, producing a rash over 100 percent of the body If you inhale the smoke, you can get the rash in your throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
“Urushiol” the Poison Connection Urushiol is the poisonous oil that causes allergic skin rash on contact.   Urushiol is found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac.   all parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and leaves Doesn’t affect animals. After 15 minutes of exposure, it bonds to the skin and can no longer be washed off.
Urushiol Exposure You can get the oil on your skin by: Touching the poison oak, ivy or sumac plant. Touching any clothing, including shoes, that have come in contact with the plant. Touching any gardening tools that may have the oil on it. Touching any outdoor pets that have gotten the oil on their hair. Burning the poison oak plant. The oil from the plant is carried in the smoke.
The Reaction Symptoms include:   severe itching  reddish colored rash  blistering of the skin  “Contact Dermatitis” shows within 1 – 12 hours.  Severity depends on:  individual sensitivity size of dose of Urushiol the person got
The Reaction All parts of the body are vulnerable. where the skin is thick, (i.e. soles of the feet, palms of the hands)  	= less sensitive where the skin is thinner (i.e. around the eyes, underside of arms)         	= more sensitive.
Immediately wash irritated area:  Use non- oil containing soap. Clean area with rubbing alcohol. After the rash has developed, treatment is based on relieving symptoms. Visit a doctor if you get a fever or have trouble breathing. Treatment
Relieving the Symptoms  What You Can Do Use cool compresses. Cold water or whole milk ,[object Object],Calamine Lotion Aloe Vera gel Oatmeal baths/soaks Take antihistamines. Benedryl or similar Wear loose, cotton clothing. See a doctor if fever, infection or  	symptoms persist!
Emergency Treatment Accidental poisoning can occur: ,[object Object]
inhaling smoke from poisonous plants
trouble breathing
high fever
irritation and swelling in the throat
can be deadly! ,[object Object]

More Related Content

Similar to Prev skinirritationfromplants

How to avoid allergies
How to avoid allergiesHow to avoid allergies
How to avoid allergies
HamishClint812
 
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
Jane756411
 

Similar to Prev skinirritationfromplants (20)

Summertime Pests 2017
Summertime Pests 2017Summertime Pests 2017
Summertime Pests 2017
 
April 2022 -Safety Training
April 2022 -Safety TrainingApril 2022 -Safety Training
April 2022 -Safety Training
 
April 2022- Safety Training 1
April 2022- Safety Training 1April 2022- Safety Training 1
April 2022- Safety Training 1
 
Natures Nasties
Natures NastiesNatures Nasties
Natures Nasties
 
How to avoid allergies
How to avoid allergiesHow to avoid allergies
How to avoid allergies
 
Lower Risk Pest Control Products & Practices
Lower Risk Pest Control Products & PracticesLower Risk Pest Control Products & Practices
Lower Risk Pest Control Products & Practices
 
Personal hygiene
Personal hygienePersonal hygiene
Personal hygiene
 
Personal hygiene
Personal hygienePersonal hygiene
Personal hygiene
 
Personal hygiene
Personal hygienePersonal hygiene
Personal hygiene
 
Common skin diseases during adolescence
Common skin diseases during adolescenceCommon skin diseases during adolescence
Common skin diseases during adolescence
 
Gk poisonous plant presentation
Gk poisonous plant presentationGk poisonous plant presentation
Gk poisonous plant presentation
 
Personalhygiene 120531235008-phpapp01 (2)
Personalhygiene 120531235008-phpapp01 (2)Personalhygiene 120531235008-phpapp01 (2)
Personalhygiene 120531235008-phpapp01 (2)
 
Poisonous plants of world
Poisonous plants of worldPoisonous plants of world
Poisonous plants of world
 
Poisonous Plants
Poisonous Plants Poisonous Plants
Poisonous Plants
 
Tree health
Tree healthTree health
Tree health
 
cosmetics
cosmeticscosmetics
cosmetics
 
Personal hygiene
Personal hygienePersonal hygiene
Personal hygiene
 
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
69cee072-8a1e-4783-92bd-5ed081588ae0.pdf
 
Insect Sting and bite management.pptx
Insect Sting and bite management.pptxInsect Sting and bite management.pptx
Insect Sting and bite management.pptx
 
Herbology 101
Herbology 101Herbology 101
Herbology 101
 

Recently uploaded

Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please PractiseSpellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
AnaAcapella
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptxUnit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
 
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please PractiseSpellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
Spellings Wk 3 English CAPS CARES Please Practise
 
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
 
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning ExhibitSociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
 
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptxICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
 
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - EnglishGraduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
Graduate Outcomes Presentation Slides - English
 
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
 
Single or Multiple melodic lines structure
Single or Multiple melodic lines structureSingle or Multiple melodic lines structure
Single or Multiple melodic lines structure
 
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual Proper...
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual  Proper...General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual  Proper...
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual Proper...
 
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptxHMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
 
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the ClassroomFostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
 
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
 
How to setup Pycharm environment for Odoo 17.pptx
How to setup Pycharm environment for Odoo 17.pptxHow to setup Pycharm environment for Odoo 17.pptx
How to setup Pycharm environment for Odoo 17.pptx
 
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan FellowsOn National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
 
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
 
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
 
Unit 3 Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence.pdf
Unit 3 Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence.pdfUnit 3 Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence.pdf
Unit 3 Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence.pdf
 

Prev skinirritationfromplants

  • 1. Preventing Skin Irritations Caused by Plants By: Cari Elofson Environmental Health and Safety Department 657.278.7233 (S-A-F-E)
  • 2. Common Plant Irritations Irritating plants can cause: Cuts Puncture wounds Itchy, irritated skin Painful blisters Rashes Boils
  • 3. Skin Irritations – Sharp-edged or pointed leaves Agave or Yucca have needle-sharp leaves Can cut or cause skin abrasion Pampas grass looks soft, but actually have razor-sharp edges Can easily slice/cut skin
  • 4.
  • 5. Skin Irritations – Spines and Glochids Spines – large barbed spines barrel cactus Glochids - very fine, hair-like, barbed thorns prickly pear can become embedded at the slightest touch hard to see to remove
  • 6.
  • 7. First Aid for Spines, Glochids & Thorns Use Tweezers. Some spines are barbed, causing intense pain when removed. Use “Comb Method” of removal for spines. Insert teeth of comb between the barb and skin. Quickly flip comb (and cactus) away from body. Use “Duct Tape Method” Adhere a piece of duct tape over the spines and pull it off.
  • 8. Skin Irritation – Stem and Leaf Hairs Stem and leaf hairs fine hairs found on the stems and leaves of plants harmless-looking but cause skin irritation Local plants include: Borage Forget-me-nots Sunflowers
  • 9. Skin Irritation – Barely-There Irritant Fibers Tulips cause skin abrasions very small, almost invisible fibers People who frequently handle tulips bulbs can get a condition called "tulip fingers“. Caused the irritating fibers and a chemical in the bulb.
  • 10. Skin Irritation – Stinging Stinging plants have nettles. Touching a nettle can cause a toxic reaction. doesn’t last long has no lasting effect First aid Wash with soap & water Apply antihistamine cream Nettle leaf close up
  • 11. Common Allergenic Plants Cause allergic reactions in some people. Pollen in these plants can cause hay fever or asthma. Include: Orchids Chrysanthemums Dahlias Hyacinths
  • 12. “The Poison Three” Poison Ivy Poison Oak Poison Sumac Relatives of the cashew, mango, and the sumacs. Over ½ of all the people in the U.S. are sensitive or allergic. Cause severe allergic reactions if a person comes in contact with them. All three contain the same poison called “Urushiol”.
  • 13. Poison Ivy Found in West except for desert regions of California, Nevada and Arizona. Found in wooded areas. Grows as a shrub, ground cover and tree-climbing vine. Green leaves that typically form bundles of three on one purple stem. Rarely grows above 5000 ft.
  • 14. Poison Oak Usually not found above 4000 feet elevation. More common in the western U.S. Commonly grows as a shrub from 1 to 6 feet tall Leaves are shaped somewhat like oak leaves. Leaves usually grow in groups of three on a shared stalk.
  • 15. Poison Sumac Shrub or small tree up to 20ft. Found all over the U.S. Found in wet, wooded areas. Long stem with many leaves of both green and purplish red colors with a red stem. In Fall, colors range from bright yellow to deep purple.
  • 16. Getting Rid of “The Poison Three” Wear protective gloves and clothing! Uproot it in late fall, when it has a minimum of poison. NEVER burn it! Smoke carries the oil, producing a rash over 100 percent of the body If you inhale the smoke, you can get the rash in your throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
  • 17. “Urushiol” the Poison Connection Urushiol is the poisonous oil that causes allergic skin rash on contact. Urushiol is found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. all parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and leaves Doesn’t affect animals. After 15 minutes of exposure, it bonds to the skin and can no longer be washed off.
  • 18. Urushiol Exposure You can get the oil on your skin by: Touching the poison oak, ivy or sumac plant. Touching any clothing, including shoes, that have come in contact with the plant. Touching any gardening tools that may have the oil on it. Touching any outdoor pets that have gotten the oil on their hair. Burning the poison oak plant. The oil from the plant is carried in the smoke.
  • 19. The Reaction Symptoms include: severe itching reddish colored rash blistering of the skin “Contact Dermatitis” shows within 1 – 12 hours. Severity depends on: individual sensitivity size of dose of Urushiol the person got
  • 20. The Reaction All parts of the body are vulnerable. where the skin is thick, (i.e. soles of the feet, palms of the hands) = less sensitive where the skin is thinner (i.e. around the eyes, underside of arms) = more sensitive.
  • 21. Immediately wash irritated area: Use non- oil containing soap. Clean area with rubbing alcohol. After the rash has developed, treatment is based on relieving symptoms. Visit a doctor if you get a fever or have trouble breathing. Treatment
  • 22.
  • 23.
  • 24. inhaling smoke from poisonous plants
  • 27. irritation and swelling in the throat
  • 28.
  • 29. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Wear protective clothing. Long pants Long sleeves Boots Gloves Make sure all clothing overlaps to prevent exposure. Use safety glasses or face shield when cutting.
  • 30. Fatalities There were no OSHA reported fatalities related to any of these plants for the years 1990-2009. Source: OSHA Fatality Data-1990-2009
  • 31. True or False? Review Wash your shoes separately in hot water after handling toxic plants. Burning plants can release harmful toxins into the air. After handling plants, always wash your hands and other exposed skin before eating, drinking, smoking, or going to the bathroom. Don’t bother removing thorns from skin, they will eventually fall out on their own. Wear short-sleeved shirts so you can spot skin reactions easily. Copyright © 2006, The Ohio State University
  • 32.
  • 33. Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac Information Center, http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view
  • 34. Treating Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac, http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=559