The danger of plants: responses that they can cause

The maximum number of skin problems, caused by the action of plants, recorded in the spring and summer. These seasons are associated with a violent burst of flowering and vegetation growth. Magicforum figured out how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of plants on your body.

How plants can threaten your skin?

Plants can affect our skin in this way:

• mechanically damaging the skin with thorns or thin brush on the stem,

• chemically – irritating by chemicals contained in the strain, the leaves, fruits and seeds.

In addition, plants can cause allergies, photosensitive reactions and hives. Some plants can simultaneously cause several types of skin reactions. For example, tulips can cause not only local allergic reactions (contact dermatitis), but also becomes a cause of systemic allergic reaction (urticaria).

Speaking about the types of dermatitis, it should be noted that there are several: mechanical and chemical, phytophotodermatitis, allergic contact urticaria. These are the most common types of dermatitis, which are associated with the effects on the body plants.

Mechanical dermatitis – appears as a result of puncture or abrasion of the skin with thorns or thin pile, located on the surface of plants. These lesions can be infected by bacteria or fungi. Usually require antimicrobial treatment. Plants that cause mechanical injury: rose Mace, cacti, Agra, bamboo, pineapple etc.

Irritation occurs when the skin comes in contact with a chemical irritant present on the plant. If the skin is already traumatized by the plant spikes that annoyance. Irritating substances contained in plants, are acid, proteolytic enzymes, calcium oxalate crystals. Such plants include: mustard, pepper, pineapple, quail, Daisy, etc.

Phytophotodermatitis is dermatitis, created chemical substance present in the plant, called furocoumarins. This product is a psoralen and which under the action of moisture and UVA rays causes vesicular, linear, sometimes bullous reaction, which is accompanied by pain or itching. Over time she hyperpigmented. Duration of pigmentation can take several months. Sometimes spots hyperpigmentation are the only manifestations of phytophotodermatitis. Among the plants, distinguished as the most active effect on the skin, such common instances as parsley, carrots, biscuits, celery, pomelo, rice, peas, bran, algae, etc. Hyperpigmentation lose disappears under the local application of corticosteroids with a depigmenting action under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Allergic contact dermatitis – occurs in people whose immune system is sensitized to specific allergens. That is, not everyone will have an allergic reaction to a specific plant, and only people who have previously been in contact with allergens contained in the plant. The reaction occurs within 48 hours of exposure. The incubation period may persist for several weeks. The most allergenic plants are poison ivy, oak, chrysanthemum, Tulip, a plant of the family composites – marigolds, artichokes and onions, chicory, dandelion, lettuce, Taron, Arnica, etc. Plants in the family Compositae contain chemical components called sesquiterpenlactone, which sencibilisiruet and irritate the skin. Rash dry, ackzematosny. Farmers, florists work with or forced to have repeated contact with these types of plants are able to obtain allergic reactions to these plants.

Urticaria – occurs after skin contact with plants or parts of plants. Annoying pile located on the plant surface, facilitates the penetration of some substances into the skin. Therefore, hives can be allergic or non-allergic.

Anyone can obtain a non-allergic rash after contact with certain plants. For example, nettle. On its surface contain histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin. Upon contact with this plant cause a local, non-allergic urticaria, in addition, a burning sensation. It may take a few hours.

In the case of allergic urticaria, the most likely victims are individuals who are prone to various types of allergies caused by various allergens. Usually, this kind of urticaria is accompanied by swelling of the lips, eyelids, larynx. The most allergenic substances contained in the plants are the latex and pollen. Garlic, onions, tulips and lilies can give such reactions to people with allergic dependence.

Prevention methods skin reaction to plants

To avoid these skin reactions that occur after contact with plants and their parts, it is necessary to limit the exposure of the unprotected body.

Thus:

– work in the garden must be carried out with the use of protective equipment: gloves, boots and coveralls;

– if Hiking in the woods or in the Park body should be protected by clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, sport shoes (not sandals or Slippers);

– you can’t touch plants that are unfamiliar because they may be poisonous, producing the above-described reaction;

wet or sweaty skin should not be in contact with the grass;

People with allergic reactions should avoid the exits in the forest or in areas of high vegetation, especially in the afternoon, when the concentration of pollen in the air, higher than morning and evening. The rain cleans the air of allergens, and the wind shakes it from the trees and soil. The concentration of pollen in the air is higher in warm days than cold days. Pollen can settle on clothes, skin and hair, so after being outdoors, it is recommended to take a shower and change of worn-out clothes;

– Hydration-at least 8 glasses of water a day helps to breathe easier, diluting the mucus from the respiratory tract;

– Use protective shampoos UVA and UVB rays with at least 30 FPS will help reduce reactions of photosensitivity of the skin.

Previously, scientists have named the ten most dangerous plants.