Poisonous Plant Tips
If a child has been exposed to poison ivy oak or stinging nettle:
- wash the area with soap and water
- if a rash appears, apply ice to relieve the itching.
- If you believe your child has eaten berries, flowers or leaves, call
the regional Poison Control and Prevention Hotline at 1-800-682-9211.
When you call the hotline, have the
following information ready:
- the child's age and weight
- a description of the plant
- the time it was swallowed
- how much the child may have swallowed
Do not induce vomiting unless
instructed to do so. If hotline professionals recommend bringing the child
to the emergency room, bring a clipping from the plant if possible.
The best advice, however, is to
teach your child to avoid those plants that are dangerous to touch, to
resist the urge to taste even the most delicious looking berries and sweet
smelling flowers-and to teach yourself the names of all that grows in
your yard.
Familiarizing yourself with trees, shrubs and flowers may mean avoiding
an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. And should your child require
medical attention, you will be able to provide vital information to health
care workers.
Brush up on your botany: view
the slide show
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