esky insects and poisonous plants do not have to interfere with summertime fun. But, sometimes contact with these summertime skin irritants is unavoidable. Here are a few ways they make their mark and what to do when it happens.

Poisonous Plants: Rashes caused by poison ivy, oak, and sumac are actually contact allergies to the sticky, invisible oil that is released from any crushed part of the plant leaves or stem. Direct contact with the plant is not the only means of infection. The sap can be transported on a shoe, garden tool, or even by a pet.

What may happen: A red itchy rash may appear hours to days after exposure to the sap.

What to do: Rinse the affected area with water within five minutes of contact to neutralize the sap and keep it from spreading. Soap is not recommended. Once the sap is washed off your skin and clothing, you cannot spread poison ivy to anyone around you.

Bites: The bite of an insect, such as a mosquito, gnat, or horsefly, may cause irritation, but it is usually not dangerous.

What may happen: A small, painless swelling or an intense itching rash may form at the site of the bite.

What to do: Wash the bite well and apply cold compresses and soothing lotion. Avoid scratching the area.

Stings: The sting of insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants, not only injects poison—it can hurt.

What may happen: For several hours—or even days—the sting site will be very red, swollen, itchy and painful. In rare cases, a more severe, life-threatening reaction occurs when a victim is hypersensitive to the poisonous venom. There may be extreme flushing and swelling of the skin, a drop in blood pressure, onset within minutes of extreme flushing and swelling, a drop in blood pressure, swollen throat tissues and obstructed breathing.

What to do: Because it takes a few minutes for the sac to empty its poison, quick action may help prevent harmful effects. If possible, scrape the stinger and venom sac with your fingernail. In common cases, cold compresses and analgesic creams should be applied for relief. In more serious cases, immediate medical attention is needed. Those aware of their hypersensitivity should carry an emergency kit with the medication necessary to open airways and ease breathing.

Dr. Mitchell Kaminski, Chairman of GBMC’s Department of Family Practice adds, “Our mild El Nino winter means that many more insects and plants have survived to emerge in full force this spring and summer. Expect an abundance of ticks, so take precautions to avoid exposure to Lyme’s disease.” Dr. Kaminski also offers the following suggestions:

• Stay away from brushy, tall grass and wooded areas. Ticks live in these places.
• If you’re near grass or trees, dress to keep ticks off of you. Wear a broad-rimmed hat, long pants tucked into high socks and a long-sleeved shirt. Wear closed shoes, not sandals.
• Sprays which repel ticks may help if sprayed over your clothes. Follow label directions carefully.
• Check yourself and others for ticks every three to four hours and at the end of the day. Look for ticks along the hairline, in the hair and ears and where clothing is snug (under belts, armpits and groin). Look for new “freckles,” which may be ticks!
• Check pets before they come into the house. Flea and tick collars may help keep ticks off pets.

“Remember,” adds Dr. Kaminski, “common sense is the best weapon against harmful insects and poisonous plants!”