1 / 49

Poison Ivy Awareness

Poison Ivy Awareness. Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS). Poison Ivy: Toxicodendron radicans. Defined. Climbing plant Of the sumac or cashew family Western species known as Poison Oak Each are related

gstevens
Download Presentation

Poison Ivy Awareness

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Poison Ivy Awareness Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) Poison Ivy: Toxicodendron radicans PPT-102-01

  2. Defined Climbing plant Of the sumac or cashew family Western species known as Poison Oak Each are related Poison Ivy has leaves like three mittens, green flowers and white berries PPT-102-01

  3. Characteristics Notched leaf; three mitten-shaped leaflets PPT-102-01

  4. Characteristics Produces an irritating oil called Urushiol which constitutes the “poison” in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac This is the “poison” nature of the plant Described as a clear liquid in the plant’s sap, Urushiol darkens when exposed to air PPT-102-01

  5. Characteristics Poison rash-causing plant producing itching, irritation and painful rash Urushiol binds to skin upon contact causing itching, inflammation, bumps and blistering Rash: appears from 1 to 4 weeks after contact PPT-102-01

  6. Is Poison Ivy Contagious? Not from person-to-person Not by scratching since blister does not contain the Urushiol oil May appear to spread but may be due to timing of absorption rate May spread due to repeated exposure to other contaminated objects or oil trapped under fingernails. PPT-102-01

  7. Characteristics Although not contagious, Urushiol oil has remained active on pets; clothing and other contaminated items have been active for up to 5 years About 350,000 persons in the US are affected each year. 15% to 30% of the population have no reaction to Urushiol* PPT-102-01

  8. Characteristics It can be found as a plant, bush or vine. Some subspecies can be found as trailing and climbing vines or as a shrub.* PPT-102-01

  9. Seasonal Characteristics PPT-102-01

  10. Identifying Poison Ivy Although many factors may alter the characteristics of some poison ivy, 4 items may aid in identification: 1.Clusters of three leaflets 2.Alternate leaf arrangement 3.Lack of thorns on leaf and stem 4.Each group of 3 leaflets grows on its own dedicated stem which connects to the main vine PPT-102-01

  11. Identifying Poison Ivy Poison Ivy also produces a flower from the berries PPT-102-01

  12. Where Poison Ivy is Found Found in United States, Canada and Mexico and overseas in Asia Sunny areas around forests, rocky areas, and open fields. PPT-102-01

  13. Where Poison Ivy is Found Also found in acidic to mildly alkaline soils. In areas subject to occasional flooding. It also benefits from high carbon dioxide contents in the air and is felt to be able to double its growth when carbon dioxide levels increase to 560ppm* PPT-102-01

  14. Where NOT Found Higher elevations. Not over 4,000 feet Arid. Not in deserts unless along river banks. However, heavy rainfall can reactivate dormant plant growth Mainland areas. Hawaii. No, but mango trees which are present contain the same Urushiol Alaska. No Washington or Oregon State. Rarely found. PPT-102-01

  15. Effects on Humans Means of contacting: Direct Contact: inflammation, rash, blistering Inhaled (from burning plant): effects lung lining and can cause pain and possible fatal respiratory distress Eaten: damages mucus lining of mouth and digestive tract PPT-102-01

  16. Rhymes for Safety “Leaves of three; let it be”1 “Hairy vine, no friend of mine”2 “Hair rope-don’t be a dope” “Berries white, run in fright” Immature berries PPT-102-01

  17. Allergic Reactions According to experts at the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak, or sumac if exposed to them. In the woods, the water of a running stream can be an effective cleanser. If all the oil can be washed off the skin within 5 minutes of contact, there should be no reaction. If the oil remains on the skin for more than 5 minutes, washing will not prevent the rash, but it will help to prevent spreading of the oil. PPT-102-01

  18. Allergic Reactions • The reaction may take many forms; • the sneezing and runny nose of hay fever (pollen allergy) or • the itching and skin rash of hives. • When these allergic reactions develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen, they are called immediate hypersensitivity reactions. An allergic reaction is a sensitivity or overreaction by the body to a substance that does not cause a problem in most people. The substances, known as allergens, include mold spore, dust, food, or pollen PPT-102-01

  19. Allergic Reactions The allergic response to poison ivy, oak, and sumac is not immediate, but occurs 12 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of response is known as delayed hypersensitivity. In susceptible persons, contact with these plants leads to a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis PPT-102-01

  20. Dermatitis Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin Usually, no visible reaction will occur the first time a person comes in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. In fact, one may not even realize that contact has taken place. If a reaction (rash) does appear, it may be 7 to 10 days after the first exposure PPT-102-01

  21. Preventing Dermatitis The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bentoquatam, which is available over the counter, to prevent poison ivy. It comes in a lotion that should be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes before exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. It provides a barrier that protects against or reduces the severity of the rash caused by the plants. Susceptible persons should reapply it every 4 hours for continued protection while they are in settings where they might become exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. PPT-102-01

  22. Prevention Tips Learn to identify various plants Wash anything which may have contacted the poison ivy plant The use of a product called “Ivy Block” available over the counter PPT-102-01

  23. Treatment Various agents are available to help prevent or ease the pain Always check with your Doctor or Pharmacist PPT-102-01

  24. Treatment Various remedies exist to assist in relieving the irritation and rash of Poison Ivy These include pharmaceuticals and home remedies PPT-102-01

  25. Treatment Washing immediately with soap and water and rubbing alcohol may prevent a reaction. Soap should be able to remove oil. Burow’s solution Calamine lotion Jewelweed Oatmeal baths and baking soda PPT-102-01

  26. Treatment Burow’s Solution Aluminum acetate (13%) dissolved in water Anti-bacterial, applied to area with cold compresses Bayer makes a form called Domeboro PPT-102-01

  27. Treatment Calamine Lotion. Calamine is a name for Zinc oxide with usually less than 1% of iron oxide The lotion is often mixed with other ingredients to include pramoxine Used for relief of itching Rubbed on skin and for external use only PPT-102-01

  28. Treatment Jewelweed. Counter-reacts chemicals in other irritating plants Also known as “Touch-Me-Nots” since their seeds will pop if touched Spotted “Touch-Me-Nots” have orange flowers with dark red dots is most common for treating poison ivy Often found on creek bed edges PPT-102-01

  29. Treatment Jewelweed. If exposed to Poison Ivy, Poison Oak or Stinging Nettle, slice the stem of the Jewelweed plant and rub its inside on exposed parts This should ease irritation and may even prevent a breakout in most people. PPT-102-01

  30. Treatment Do not scratch blisters! Bacterial infection may arise Use wet (cool) compresses or soak body Topical corticosteroid may be obtained OTC or see your Doctor for prescription oral forms Skin protectants should be labeled to dry oozing, weeping, or relieve itching/irritation For target poison: ivy, oak or sumac PPT-102-01

  31. Home Remedies Dish Liquid. Immediate cleansing of contacted area is paramount attempting to remove the Urushiol oil in less than 5 minutes before it can penetrate the skin. Recommended: A grease-cutting dish washing liquid (like Dawntm) with cool water. Cool water will prevent the skin’s pores opening thereby inhibiting absorption. Rinse repeatedly with cool water and pat dry thereby not spreading oil residue PPT-102-01

  32. Home Remedies Oatmeal. Itch Relief Boil, let cool, stir two tablespoons of baking soda into it to make a thick paste When warm, apply to area Allow to dry, then rinse off with cool water Pat dry PPT-102-01

  33. Home Remedies Baking Soda. Itch relief and rash drier Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon water. Make a thick paste. Apply and let dry Rinse off paste with cool water Pat dry PPT-102-01

  34. Home Remedies Aloe Vera. Itch relief and healing support Apply gel to area The plant can be used or a purchased gel Rubbing Alcohol. Itch relief and blister drier Saturate cotton ball Apply to area several times daily PPT-102-01

  35. Home Remedies Apple Cider Vinegar. Relieves red rash Apply with cotton ball saturated with vinegar Oral Antihistamines. Blocks histamines causing itchy rash Benadryl is example Bought OTC (over the counter) Take as directed PPT-102-01

  36. Home Remedies Medicated Body Powder/Rubbing Alcohol. Itch relief Clean and dry area Spread layer of alcohol over it Sprinkle body powder over alcohol forming a paste Cover with gauze PPT-102-01

  37. Home Remedies Banana Peels. Itch relief Rub inside of peel over area Potato/Oatmeal Pastes Blend potato in mixer forming a paste Put paste over area Oatmeal Pastes Oatmeal can also be used: As a paste or Mix with bathwater and soak body PPT-102-01

  38. Home Remedies Coffee. Anti-inflammatory Cold cup of black coffee Spread over area (contains chlorogenic acid to soothe irritation) NOTE: whichever topical application, medicinal product or home remedy you elect, be careful! Some have precautions against use if you’re taking certain medications. PPT-102-01

  39. See a Doctor If . . . Your temperature is over 100oF Rash tenderness, pus or soft yellow scabbing Itching increases or keeps you awake If rash spreads to: eyes, mouth, genital area, or covers more than 25% of your skin If rash has not improved in a few days* PPT-102-01

  40. Poison Ivy Removal Removing the threat can be done several ways, the first two (2) of which are organic: Pull them out by the roots, and Smothering 3. Another method is the use of Herbicides PPT-102-01

  41. Removing Poison Ivy Ensure you are properly clothed to create a barrier between yourself and the Urushiol oil Make sure you properly dispose of Ivy and limit physical contact PPT-102-01

  42. Removing Poison Ivy If a climbing vine, cut to separate from the root. DO NOT BURN! The oil can be inhaled creating respiratory problems as well as spread the oil residue down-wind. PPT-102-01

  43. Smothering Poison Ivy Cut back close to the ground Cover with newspapers, tarps or even mulch Dispose of the roots of the dead vines after removing smothering agent* PPT-102-01

  44. Herbicides and Poison Ivy You can kill the poison ivy by using glyphosate-based herbicides (Roundup spray and Ortho Brush-B-Gon are just 2) Good for other plants as well PPT-102-01

  45. Herbicides and Poison Ivy Mix product with tank sprayer applying when plant is full leafed out Ensure a windless day and clear weather (no rain in forecast for 24 hours) If using on climbing vine, “paint” on the herbicide so the spray doesn’t kill the tree PPT-102-01

  46. Summary Learn to identify Poison Ivy in various seasons If you must work around it, wear personal protective clothing Take proper precautions during clean-up of yourself and equipment Wash yourself and Wash your equipment and tools If rash develops use proper medications to alleviate pain If rash or problems persist-see a Doctor PPT-102-01

  47. Bibliography Toxicodendron radicans, and “Aids to Identification,” Wikipedia, 2014 Donald G. Crosby, “The Poisoned Weed: Plants Toxic to Skin,” Oxford University Press, p32, 2004. Neil L. Jennings, “In Plain Sight: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Southern Alberto, Rock Mountain Books Ltd, p 105, 2010 David Templeton, “Climate change is making poison ivy grow bigger and badder,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 22, 2013. “Home Remedies” are found on eHow at http://www.ehow.com/how_2281391_treat-poison-ivy-home-remedy. PPT-102-01

  48. Contact Information Health & Safety Training Specialists 1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324 Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501 (717) 772-1635 RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa.gov Like us on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/BWCPATHS PPT-102-01

  49. Questions PPT-102-01

More Related