Adventure Doc Don't Touch

Growing up in Southern Arizona, I learned about cactus really quick. Stay away and if they get you, be prepared for a few bad days. As I traveled more, I saw the itch of the "three leaf demon". Here is a bit of information so you, hopefully, don't learn the hard way.

Cactus are native to the Southwestern desert of America and multiple deserts of the Americas. They can hurt, especially if you fall into one or get a lot of stickers in your skin. They can also cause an allergic reaction. The best method to avoid this si to give the cacti a lot of space. Some species of Cholla cactus are know as "jumping cactus" because the vibrations on the ground, from footsteps, are able to dislodge the sections from the plant and cause the spiney parts to fall to the ground.

Dermatitis from plant contact can cause a lot of problems, discomfort and ruin a trip. For some unlucky few, it can even be life threatening. There are three main plants to know about: Poisonous Ivy, Sumac and Oak. All of these plants are from the same genus, Toxicodendron. All three contain a chemical compund, called Urushiol, that is what causes the itch and reaction.

Contact with these plants and their Urushiol chemical can produce dermatitis in people with an allery to Urushiol. About 85% of people in North America are allergic to Urushiol.

Removal of the spines and pieces of plant of difficult. If there are pieces of the plant stuck to the skin, it must be removed without getting the hands stuck! A plastic, disposable comb works great for this. It always seems that there are "little tiny stickers" that remain in the skin. Rubber cement works great to help remove them. Apply a thin layer to the area where the stickers are believed to be. Allow it to dry and then peel it off. Hot water soaks also work well. Allergies frequently follow a series of cactus thorns. These can generally be managed with oral antihistamines, such a diphenhydramine.

Recognizing these plants and avoiding them is key! These plants have, generally, three leaves and the leaves originate from the same point on the stem. The plants love water and can be found near lakes, streams or water sources. They also are generally found in sunny areas. They are found in all 48 continental states of America. They do not grow wild in Hawaii or Alaska.

Treatment, once a person contacts the plants/Urushiol, centers around steroid creams. Avoid use of steroid creams on infants. For the itch, "Aveeno anti-itch cream" seems to work very well. Camphor or menthol lotions are also good for itchy symptoms. If the areas begin to become "weepy" with a discharge, calamine lotion is advised. A topical anitbiotic oniment/cream is also advised to prevent secondary skin infections. Sever cases may require an oral antibiotic. Wash the area regurlalry with soap and water.

Severe reactions may require the use of oral steroids, such as prednisone 60 mg and tapered over 2-3 weeks. Use of topical creams, mentioned above, are also advised.
What is Urushiol? The allergic compund that causes the itch and reaction when one contacts the plants. Blister fuild is not contagious and cannot spread the irritation/rash. Urushiol can be carried by smoke, so don't burn the plants! There is no "off season" when there is lesser concentration of Urushiol in the plants. A person has about 5-10 minutes to clean the effected area with soap and water, after intial contact with the Urushiol/plant leaves.

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