Effects of Rhus Toxicodendron

[southside]

I came into contact with a Rhus tree a few weeks ago and have since had a few effects. Light headedness through to full on dizzy spells, itchiness around the area that came into contact with the tree and also a few outbreaks of a lumpy rash. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I went to the doctor's last night and had blood test's but the Doc doesnt seem to think that the tree would be the cause. I beg to differ.
Im starting to get concerned as I had a dizzy spell in a tree today and as a result, my gafs came out of the tree and I had a bit of a fall. I now have a painful bruise arond my ribs.
Let me know what you think. Is it the Rhus or something more sinister.

 

[didjon]

Ga day mate hope your feeling better,,,
The thing that makes Toxicodendron radicans (Rhus radicans)
so nasty is the presence of Urushiol it is a yellow sticky substance inside the plant it is not normally on the surface unless damaged Urushiol takes along time to break down so is present even in dead plants.It easily attaches its self to clothes and skin.It is actually not poisonous on its own,But if it stays on you skin to long it is absorbed and metabolised.
The metabolites bind with skin protiens forming new structures.In most people the immune system sees them as foriegn bodies and attacks them.The immune response causes itching inflammation and blistering of the skin
This starts 12 hours to 2 days after first contact.After the immune system has destoyed the structures the rash should start to heal this should take a few days.If it does not get better soon and you still get dizzy There is a possibility that you are hyper sensitive to this reaction and should get to the doctor again...

Take it easy mate
DIDJ-John