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Show TRAIL TALK by "River Jack" We are fortunate in being plagued pla-gued with just a few plants that act as skin irritants. Poison Ivy, Poison Sumac and Poison Oak are the most severe and are claimed by some to be one and the same plant with variations. vari-ations. Be that as it may, one of the three are to be found when you are least expecting it and where ever you might be. All 3 are described as having whitish or greenish-white berries, all three become brilliantly colored in the Autumn and all are equally as dangerous to the skin. The Ivy and Oak are identified by three leaves; three, a sign of danger. The Sumac has a compound leaf. Treatment is most successful if started immediately after contact. Washing with strong soap four or five times will remove most if not all of the poisionous resin. If blist-ters blist-ters or rash appear before you know you have been in contact, a paste of soap will be the best bet on the trail. Epsom Salt Packs, Calamine Lotion and Witch Hazel are helpful if you have them for packs. |