Spring Is Here

By Veronica Ron, MD

With the beauty of Spring we do not only get the warmer weather and the colorful bloom but also seasonal related health issues, which should be addressed.

Plant dermatitis: this is an allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac. The rash has a linear distribution, is itchy, and may blister. This type of allergic reaction can present at any age, but sensitization is needed. This means that a prior exposure had to occur for the rash to appear (on subsequent exposures). Patients spread the rash by scratching and new lesions may appear for up to three weeks. This is not a contagious condition; therefore children should not be isolated or kept home from school.

Treatment: Burrows solution (helps remove crusting), cold water (decreases inflammation), Calamine lotion (or other soothing cream, will help reduce itching (although only temporarily), preparations of Calamine and Benadryl may worsen the rash, oral antihistamines (such as Atarax or Benadryl), topical hydrocortisone (helps decrease inflammation; effective in mild cases).

For severe cases it is recommended to consult the primary care physician or a dermatologist.

Prevention: Avoidance is the key but further measures may be taken: wash exposed areas with soap and water within 30 minutes from exposure, clothes worn during the exposure should be laundered, wear socks and long pants when working/walking in an area with suspicious foliage. There is a product on the market called StokoGuard; it is aimed at providing local protection against poison ivy. The writer of this column did not have experience with this product.

Insect Repellents: For ticks consider Permethrin clothes spray (which does not work well for mosquitoes or fleas); for mosquitoes, DEET–containing products; use the lowest effective concentration such as 4 to 6 percent. Avoid products that combine sunscreen with DEET because DEET should not be applied repeatedly throughout the day. For infants younger than 2 years of age, avoid DEET; use clothing for coverage. The following products have not proven as effective insect repellent: Avon Skin-So-Soft, Thiamin, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree oil, garlic.

Enjoy your spring!

Dr Veronica Ron is a board-certified pediatrician with Danbury Office of Physician Services and Danbury Hospital. She can be reached at 791-5020.