If contact is made with poison ivy, oak or sumac, a rash-inducing oil from the plant will rub off onto the skin. If you suspect you�ve been exposed to one of these plants, do not touch or scratch the exposed area. If you do touch the area, do not touch any other part of the body until the oil gets washed off; otherwise, you will spread the rash. To avoid a rash, wash the area within ten minutes with running cold water, which will neutralize and wash away the oil. Alcohol will help this process, as will a number of cleansing solutions specifically produced to destroy the toxic oil.
Do not use hot water to wash the oil off. This will open the skin's pores and allow the oil to get in. If the oil is washed off before it has a chance to penetrate the skin, then a rash will not break out. If any articles of clothing also have the oil on them, wash them by themselves with a good detergent.
If a rash does appear, which is usually between a few hours to a few days after exposure, a number of things can be done to comfort the rash. Not all of these remedies work for every person or every situation, so if one remedy doesn�t work for you, try another.
The usual topical lotions such as calamine and zinc oxide lotions can be of some help, as can oatmeal baths. Antihistamines may be useful. Ice cubes applied to the rash cool and help stop the itching. A baking soda and water paste can be made to relieve the itching and dry out the sores. The fat in whole milk helps dry out the rash and relieve some itch; apply cold milk to the rash with a cloth. The same can be done with milk of magnesia.
Another means of treatment is to apply jewelweed juice to the area. The juice from the stem and leaves of the jewelweed soothe the itching and burning of poison ivy and stinging nettle. Jewelweed grows in most of the US except Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
The rash will persist from five days to five weeks after the rash appears. During this time, blisters will form on the rash. Do not break these blisters, as this might lead to an infection. The blisters will break open on their own and leak or weep a clear, yellowish fluid, which then dries. Eventually the blisters will subside and the rash will go away.
If the rash covers more than 20 percent to the body or if the rash is in any sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs or genitals, see a doctor to get a prescription stronger than over-the-counter drugs.
Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion
After traveling for hours by canoe in the hot sun, one can easily become overwhelmed by the heat. The symptoms of heat stroke include: a high body temperature (102 degrees or more); hot, dry, red skin; a pulse that is strong and rapid; and the victim may loose consciousness. This can be a life-threatening situation! Get the victim into the lake and immerse their body while supporting their head and neck above water. This will help to lower their body temperature. Do not over chill the victim. After two to three minutes, check their temperature. If it has fallen below 102 degrees, remove them from the water and place them in a cool, shady spot. Be prepared, however, to put them back in the water if their temperature goes back up.
Heat exhaustion exhibits a different set of ailments. The body temperature remains almost normal, but the victim will show some of the following symptoms; pale and clammy skin, profuse perspiration, tiredness, weakness, headache, cramps, nausea, dizziness, vomiting or fainting. To relieve heat exhaustion, give the victim sips of salt water. The mixture of salt to water should be one teaspoon to one cup. They should drink about half a cup every fifteen minutes over an hours time. Have the victim lie down in a cool, shady spot. Elevate their feet about eight to twelve inches with a foam mattress or sleeping bag. Apply cool rags to their face and neck. If the victim can not keep fluids down, it will be imperative that they receive immediate medical help. An individual recovering from heat exhaustion should avoid physical exertion for several days.
Sunburn
Whether it's a sunny or overcast day out, burning ultra violet rays still enter our atmosphere. It is very important to wear sunscreen on any skin that is exposed. For those who are fair skinned it is a good idea to wear a light layer of loose clothing at all times, on all body parts. In the event that the canoeist becomes burned, cool affected areas in the lake, apply a coating of aloe vera gel to the burn and stay out of the sun. If you have to be out, wear a light layer of loose clothing over the sun burned areas. Severe sunburn (second degree burn or more) should receive medical attention as quickly as possible.
Dehydration
Drinking at least two quarts of water (per person daily) will help north woods travelers avoid dehydration. Before starting your day of travel, sight seeing or fishing, prepare a two quart bottle of water and stow it in a back pack or hip belt for use later. After each portage, or throughout the day, pause to take a drink of water to replenish any lost fluids. On long travel days or during hot weather, plan to drink even more water to stay hydrated. Signs of dehydration include; constant thirst, a dry mouth, weakness, and a lack of sweat when active. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages � they only dehydrate you further.
