Poisonous plants and remedies

[Justin D.]

Heading out to South Africa in the next month. I just got over a bought of Poison Ivy here in the states from a job I did. That said, are there any plants similar to Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac in South Africa and can they be treated the same way as here in the states? I've gotten hyper sensitive to the oils in the last 10 years, so if there's things I can use or take with if I run into it to keep the hunt from being miserable because of it, I'm all ears. Here in the states I use TecNu scrub, Calamine lotion, and Benadryl. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[K-man]

Getting extra sensitive is not fun. I am unaware of plants like poison ivy or anything that has uruashoil (sp) that causes that irritation in South Africa. There are trees you should avoid, like the fever tree and several others that have a toxic tar in other areas in Africa. Let your P.H. know when booking your trip and ask about any medications available there for issues. You will have more issues with thorns and ticks than anything else. Benadryl is one med I take along on every trip. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Trogon]

I was never advised as to anything like our horrid poison ivy...pretty sure I asked about it hunting in the Eastern Cape, no mention of plants to avoid this year in the Northern Cape. Just the prickly/spiny stuff.
You have my sympathies. I used to have horrible reactions when I was younger to poison ivy. Best solution I found was swimming in chlorinated water which seemed to dry up the blisters.

 

[deewayne2003]

Heading out to South Africa in the next month. I just got over a bought of Poison Ivy here in the states from a job I did. That said, are there any plants similar to Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac in South Africa and can they be treated the same way as here in the states? I've gotten hyper sensitive to the oils in the last 10 years, so if there's things I can use or take with if I run into it to keep the hunt from being miserable because of it, I'm all ears. Here in the states I use TecNu scrub, Calamine lotion, and Benadryl. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

You used the key word “oil”, that stuff sticks to your skin like axle grease.

Friction is the key to removing it, the best thing to get it off is FRICTION; a simple wash cloth will make all the difference in the world at getting poison ivy off you regardless of the soap used.