Sumac!

AboveTheLines

AboveTheLines

Location
Rhode Island
Not sure if this is the correct spot to post this or not so feel free to move it or let me know and I will open a new thread in the correct area.

I got poison sumac and I got it pretty bad. My right forarm, wrist and hand has the rash really bad and also on my face near my nose and on my top lip. I am curious if I go to the hospital for a shot if it is something the company is responsible for? The reason I ask is because the ANSI and OSHA stuff was posted on another thread althought possibly out of date.

"ANSI Z133.1 -2006

3.3.3 Instruction shall be provided in the identification, preventive measures, and first-aid treatment of common poisonous plants (poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac),
stinging and biting insects, and other pests indigenous to the area in which work is to be performed.

Poison ivy, and similar plants, are a recognized hazard in the workplace by OSHA and ANSI."
 
Tecnu Ivy Extreme. You can get it most major drug stores. It works really well. Poison Ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all have the same itchy oil.
 
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Thanks guys. I actually wash with Tecnu extreme every day. Must have missed a spot or 2 lol. I am from RI too by the way!

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Cool, that's makes about 6 or 7 of us on the buzz. Where are you from and who do ya work for? As for the ivy extreme, I only use it once the rash starts to show up. I'm convinced that using tecnu products before contact with the oils actually makes the rash worse. After I wash with tecnu I feel like all of the natural oils produced by my skin are gone and I think it makes it easier for the toxin to bond to your skin.
 
I am from Western Cranston but am working for a company based out of NC that does utility tree work. I really don't care for the work, I would rather be doing tree care but unfortunately I don't have enough "legitimate" climbing experience for any companies in RI it seems and noone wants to train. Warwick Tree Service is owned by my girlfriends, aunts sister and her husband but I wouldn't be crazy about the idea of working for family.

That is a good theory on the Tecnu, I am sure the beads in it must open your pours and it definitely dries out the skin.

My arm got worse with a couple ugly dime size blisters and coverend in tiny ones. My hand is also swollen. If it is any worse tomorrow or my hand gets warm (sign of an infection) I will get to a Dr. There really isn't any pain in my hand but it is stiff. I was pulling on a bull rope at work and it took a little effort to open my fingers after that so that may be a concern. Do you do any Rec climbing? I just saw the TTC video, nice to see people that have that kind of passion for trees and enjoy climbing even on their time off. I know I do!
 
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Try Vagisil for itching and pain it is the highest in the caine family.
It works well.

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applaudit.gif


... take a scolding hot shower - it feels so good.
 
Oral Ivy daily. Get some and start taking it now before the season gets bad especially if your doing utility work. I believe you are more likely to get into it than a residential climber taking a tree down in someones backyard.

You will slowly build immunity to the oils the more you are exposed to it and the longer you take the Oral Ivy. The outbreaks will be less sever and won't last as long.

Ask your employer if they provide Oral Ivy. My former employer would provide us one bottle a year.

Precontact wipes and postcontact wipes are usually in with first aid kits.
 
This is an old thread and it is long gone but let me tell you, I will never take oral ivy again. That was the worse I have ever had it and it was a few months after starting to take oral ivy. Technu Extreme, Ivarest, 90% alcohol and witch hazel are what I used to get rid of it. I think this year I am going to start eating the poison ivy leaves while they are still green every so often and work my way up to bigger and more red leaves. Like you said, I don't really need to worry about it as much doing residential work but I would still like to become immune to it.
 
ATL-
Everyone's immune system is different.
Not everyone can build an immunity to poison ivy.

Just like bee stings some people are 'allergic' to poison ivy.

If you had problems with Oral Ivy you may be allergic to PI.

If so, ingesting fresh PI leaves, even in small amounts, could cause severe difficulties.
PI doesn't just affect the 'outside' skin.
It can affect the lining of the throat and stomach, etc.
It can cause the throat tissue to swell and make breathing impossible.


To be safe I would consult with a physician before you start 'munching'.


-Diane
 
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