garyws
Well-known member
I want to share this in order to save some unsuspecting soul(like me)from tangling with this stuff. The Centers For Disease Control(CDC) website says that just about everyone is allergic to this stuff even though you feel sure you're not. Why? Because people's body chemistry changes over time and what you may not be allergic to this year may tear you a new one next year. So learn to identify the leaves(leaves of three leave 'um be).
I'm not yet rid of this crap and It's been 9 days ago and 2 trips to the doctor getting steroid shots and taking no-itch pills, and now, Prednisone.
I conracted it re-building an old fenceline, never suspecting the dried-up-looking vines I was lopping into would cause me so much grief. Being December, the vines have no leaves on them so whack away I go. The next day I knew what I'd done. Waited 2 days because I thought it may get better...WRONG...it got WORSE.
Here's what I suggest you do IMMEDIATELY if you even think you've been exposed to this stuff:
(1) Remove all your clothing (get to the house first) get in a shower, turn the shower temp onto the coldest setting you can possibly stand, and lather up with the grease/oil cuttingist soap you can find. Don't forget to shampoo your hair(if you have any). If the rash and blisters take over your scalp, it'll be hell. Don't take a hot, or evn warm shower because it might accelerate the reaction.
(2) Pat yourself dry with a towel, don't rub dry(especially if the rash and blisters have already shown themselves).
(3) Take all your work clothes which are, or may be, contaminated and wash them with plenty of HOT soapy water, being careful not to come in direct contact with any of the clothing. If you were wearing heavy boots that can't be washed in a machine, I don't know what to tell you except they WILL BE contaminated too so you're on you own, with the boots.
(4) Keep your hands away from your eyes and your private parts or you'll really be sorry(voice of experience). Wash under your fingernails where the devilish oil may be hiding.
That's my advice BEFORE you know you have it...when you think you've been exposed. After you are symtomatic, it's between you and your doctor.
Here are a couple of government websites(if you want to believe your government):
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsume ... 143611.pdf
The CDC site has info on what type of breathing apparatus should be used when burning brush that may contain toxic plants and vines. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-118/
I'm not yet rid of this crap and It's been 9 days ago and 2 trips to the doctor getting steroid shots and taking no-itch pills, and now, Prednisone.
I conracted it re-building an old fenceline, never suspecting the dried-up-looking vines I was lopping into would cause me so much grief. Being December, the vines have no leaves on them so whack away I go. The next day I knew what I'd done. Waited 2 days because I thought it may get better...WRONG...it got WORSE.
Here's what I suggest you do IMMEDIATELY if you even think you've been exposed to this stuff:
(1) Remove all your clothing (get to the house first) get in a shower, turn the shower temp onto the coldest setting you can possibly stand, and lather up with the grease/oil cuttingist soap you can find. Don't forget to shampoo your hair(if you have any). If the rash and blisters take over your scalp, it'll be hell. Don't take a hot, or evn warm shower because it might accelerate the reaction.
(2) Pat yourself dry with a towel, don't rub dry(especially if the rash and blisters have already shown themselves).
(3) Take all your work clothes which are, or may be, contaminated and wash them with plenty of HOT soapy water, being careful not to come in direct contact with any of the clothing. If you were wearing heavy boots that can't be washed in a machine, I don't know what to tell you except they WILL BE contaminated too so you're on you own, with the boots.
(4) Keep your hands away from your eyes and your private parts or you'll really be sorry(voice of experience). Wash under your fingernails where the devilish oil may be hiding.
That's my advice BEFORE you know you have it...when you think you've been exposed. After you are symtomatic, it's between you and your doctor.
Here are a couple of government websites(if you want to believe your government):
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsume ... 143611.pdf
The CDC site has info on what type of breathing apparatus should be used when burning brush that may contain toxic plants and vines. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-118/
