Before you set off on your trip, take the time to become familiar with the vegetation found on your route. Buy a small book that lists the names and photos of toxic plants. Mark the pages of plants that grow in the region of your backpacking trip...
Many poisonous plants sport very beautiful flowers, which may make them attractive to small children. The good news is that distinctive flowers can be easily spotted, telling you which plants should be avoided. Foxglove, for instance, features...
Delicate, luxuriant ferns add a tropical look to your home. To a young child, though, ferns may look tempting to touch or taste. Unfortunately, some species are toxic or can cause dermatitis on contact. Choosing only non-toxic fern species will...
Houseplants may be pretty and colorful, inviting to both children and pets. While there are many house plants that are non-toxic, others are quite dangerous to ingest. Never have a houseplant that is poisonous in reach of pets or children. While...
Poisonous herbs contain toxins that can make you ill or cause death, even in small amounts. There are approximately 750 plant toxins, according to the 2008 book "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World" by biologist Michael Wink and...
Poison sumac, along with related plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, contains a skin-aggravating oil known as urushiol. Found on the plants' leaves, stems and even roots, when urushiol touches the skin, allergic contact dermatitis occurs....
During the warmer months of the year, many people head out of doors for exercise. Walking, hiking and running in natural environments are good ways to build stamina, enjoy nature, and get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life....
Poison oak is a plant which contains an oily resin called urushiol. If this resin is allowed to make contact with your skin, it can cause an allergic reaction which causes a rash. If you come into contact with poison oak, the best treatment is to...
Poison ivy and poison oak plants contain an oil called urushiol. Urushiol, found not only in the leaves of the plant but also in the stems and roots, results in an allergic reaction and produces an itchy rash. Itching, redness and blisters may...
A blister is a collection of fluid under the upper layers of the skin. Blisters are commonly circular in shape and are filled with serum, the clear fluid that leaks from damaged blood vessels. Whether blisters itch or not is an important clue in...
Several types of skin problems can lead to skin irritation, such as an illness or allergic reaction. Try to keep in mind everything you have come in contact with in the past 24 hours, so you can pinpoint the cause of the itchiness and get relief...
Rashes are common in childhood, and they can either be benign or highly contagious, spreading from person to person. Most rashes will itch, will become red, and some can even give rise to blisters and open sores. Knowing which rash the child has...
Poison oak is a plant that is native to the West Coast and Southern sections of the United States. The plant grows in either a shrub or vine formation; its yellow or green flowers may include white berries . Poison oak leaves contain an oil called...
Itching skin and skin irritation may begin as a tingling or slight discomfort that causes the urge to scratch, MedlinePlus says. There are several causes of this condition that are generally mild in nature and often require little more than a cold...
The No. 1 rule to follow before you go camping is to plan. Make a checklist of supplies and stick to it. This is especially important if you're headed to a remote area where you can't get supplies you forgot. Whether you're making an overnight...
A hike can invigorate the mind and body, but some people end up with blotchy, red ankles for their efforts. Most cases of red blotches around the ankles after hiking result from exposure to certain types of plants and insects. Fortunately, most...
Poison oak is a plant that is identified by three leaves. In most cases the middle leaf is the longest. It can grow as a vine or a shrub. In some areas the plant may have yellow or green flowers and clusters of green-yellow or white berries. The...
Poison oak or sumac poisoning is an allergic reaction caused by physical contact to poison oak or poison ivy plants, according to MedlinePlus, an online service of the National Institutes of Health. Sap from these plants can come in direct contact...
A poison oak rash is the result of being exposed to sap from the poison oak plants. This oily sap is on the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants. Poison oak causes contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction that causes the skin to...
Poison ivy rash is ugly and uncomfortable enough to make you reluctant to take your dog for another walk in the park, or wish you'd never tried to pull weeds without thick gloves and a protective suit. Heal your skin with plenty of water, gentle...
As poison ivy creeps up in the central and eastern U.S., poison oak is the bane of many an outdoor traveler or worker on the West Coast. Extremely common in some places, poison oak also comes in a diversity of growth forms, and its foliage easily...
Poison sumac causes an unpleasant allergic reaction on your skin if you accidentally touch the plant. Sumac's "cousins," poison oak and poison ivy will cause you similar misery. The oily sap from the leaves, stems and roots contain compounds known...
Poison sumac is so potent, mere contact with its bark can cause an itchy rash, states Duke University. Once you can identify poison sumac, you'll know to avoid it. This shrub has characteristic signs that warn you of an impending camping or hiking...
The herb parsley, whose scientific name is Petroselinum crispum, has a reputation among herbalists as an emmenagogue, a substance that stimulates the uterus and may lead to uterine contractions. While parsley used as a food flavoring or garnish...
Poison ivy causes a skin allergy known as contact dermatitis. The condition occurs when skin comes in contact with oils found on the poison ivy plant known as urushiol. The reaction is not serious, but can last up to three weeks. Symptoms include...
A skin rash is a general term used by doctors and patients alike to describe a difference in the look and feel of the skin. The skin may swell, become feverish or start to peel, which can also be identified as a rash. Other common skin rashes are...
Red bumps on your body may be a sign of a skin rash. Skin rashes have many different causes, including direct contact with an irritant or a medical condition. Red bumps or blotches can appear on many parts of your body. Speak to your doctor for...
Allergic reactions occur when you encounter substances that your body mistakenly perceives as threats. Exposure to allergens may occur through skin contact, inhalation, ingestion or injection. Some allergies may cause sneezing or abdominal cramps,...
Long red lines that appear on your skin with rough tracks are typically the result of an allergic reaction. While severe itching and discomfort often accompany the red lines, the reaction does not threaten your long-term well-being and can be...
