Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-22
A Physicians View.

A Physicians View.
"Rhus poisoning, that of poison oak or
poison ivy, which are one and the same, is
the most common form of what we call der
mathis venenata, or cases In which the
skin receives the poison through accidental
contact, from the use of vegetable, mineral
or animal agencies in the processes of the
arts and sciences, and from exposure to
their irritat1ve influences otherwise. The
poisonous principle call toxicodendric acid,
found in the sap of the plant in the form Of
an OIL The effect depends largely upon the
susceptibility of the person. The immunity
of some people is truly remarkable. Many
can with impunity handle the leaves and
stems Of the plant without experiencing the
irritating. infiaming and blistering effects
On the other hand, many are so sensitive
that mere exposure to the volatile principle
OF the plant, yet not having come in con-
tact with it, exciteS the most violent infec-
ton. L have known and observed cases
where the persons could not withstand the
mere passing Of the vine. or even the in
halation of smoke from burning wood upon
which the poisonous growth clung without
receiving the poison.
The eruption of poison oak Is generally
of an ecZematous nature, appearing in
numerous papules or veSicles on an inflamed
base. When 1t breaks out upon the face
swelling takes place. Starting as a rule,
from the hands and wrists, it spreads rapid
ly up the arms, and then over the body and
face. When the vesicles are ruptured from
scratching or rubbing, the exposed surfaces
become covered with crusts or scabs In
tense and agsravating itching is the marked
characteristic of the eruption This poison
ing differs from others in general in its sud
den appearance. The favorite treatment is
that of alkaline lotions applied to the dis
turbed portions; bathing with a solution of
bicarbonate of soda and water is exception-
ally effective; some physicians find success
In painting with sweet spirits of inter.
After the acute Inflammation has subsidized
an ointment containing camphor and car
bol1c acid is recommended. Another effica-
cious treatment is that of a wash Of bro
mine solution together with internal annli
cations of sulphide of calcium.
A Scientist's Statement.
The reporter called on the Agricultural
Department for information regarding the
plant and the heretofore unknown charac.
ter of the poison. He was referred to Prof
Victor K. Chestnut. at the laboratory Of
the bureau of animal industry, who Is now
investigating poisonous plants in connec-
ton with the herbarium of the department
For some time" Prof. Chestnut began
"Harvard's scientists have been investi-
eating poison oak and have finally proven
the poison to be in the form Of an oil But
1 believe they claim that it is non-volatile
which is the opposite of the general and
former opinion. There was q time when
IT was thought to be in the form of pow
Ger or pollen. but that has now entirely
been exploded. 1t Is truly peculiar how
some people become infected without, they
claim, having come in contact with the
vine do not believe these cases as they
are generally looked upon. 1 think the in
dividual has to come in direct contact with
the plant, or he will not experience any
poisoning. 1 account for many reported
cases this way: The person goes walking
through the vine or comes in contact with
1t In some way. and then upon discover
ing that 1t is poison oak runs away to
safe distance, declaring that it was GER
tainly lucky that 1t had not been touched
with the hand, when in truth it had
This oil, which contains an acid, toxi-