Daily News

Poison sumac is a type of plant that can cause an allergic skin reaction. There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for relieving such symptoms. Poison sumac, poison ivy, and poison oak plants occupy numerous outdoor areas. Coming into contact with any of these plants can cause an allergic skin reaction. These reactions are usually mild and do not require treatment. In some cases, however, blisters from the reaction can become infected and require antibiotic treatment. Read on for some tips on how to identify poison sumac, how to treat a skin reaction, and when to contact a doctor. Symptoms of an allergic skin reaction to poison sumac include:
* a rash, usually within a few days of contact
* itching
* swelling
* patches, bumps, or fluid-filled blisters
Rashes from poison sumac can range from mild to severe, and they can last for 2 - 5 weeks. The fluid from a blister is not contagious, but oil from the plant is. Blisters can also become ;infected. Some signs of an infected blister include:
* worsening redness around the blister
* increasing pain from the blister over time
* swelling of the blister
* fluid or pus coming from the blister
* a yellow crust around the area
Treatment: In most cases, a rash from the poison sumac plant is treatable at home. The oils can stick to the skin and fingernails quickly. First, use soap and water to wash any areas of the body that made contact with the plant. Make sure to wash underneath the fingernails. It is also necessary to wash all clothing or other items that made contact with the plant. Use commercial detergents or specialized poison plant washes with plenty of water. OTC treatments can provide pain relief from the rash. For example, apply a cream that contains zinc oxide or zinc acetate directly to the rash. Hydrocortisone cream or a baking soda paste might also help. However avoid applying these creams and pastes to any open blisters. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can relieve itching. If a blister becomes infected, use a soft dressing to protect the wound. It is usually best to avoid popping any blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infected blister. The antibiotic could be in the form of a tablet or a cream. It is important to seek medical attention for an infected blister to prevent complications, such as cellulitis.

To reduce the risk of coming into contact with poison sumac, a person can try:
* covering the skin as much as possible while outdoors

* washing any clothing that may have come into contact with poison sumac, multiple times and in a separate wash to other clothes
* cleaning all tools with rubbing alcohol or soap and water regularly
* using barrier skin creams, such as lotions with bentoquatam
* never burning plants that may contain poison sumac, as the smoke can also cause allergic reactions
(Credits: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks and fallen trees in wooded areas. They are plentiful in various parts of the world, including the United States. These mushrooms have a disc-like shape and varying colors. Their overall appearance may resemble that of a turkey’s tail. For centuries, people have used these mushrooms — also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor — as a health supplement. In traditional Chinese medicine, people use turkey tail extract (Yun zhi) as a treatment for respiratory conditions. Turkey tail extract appears to cause few, if any, adverse effects. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking it and only purchase a purified version from a reputable source. A number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune boosting properties. For example, its extract may be useful in fighting certain types of cancer, according to one 2014 review. The researchers looked at studies of five types of mushroom, including turkey tail, as complementary cancer treatments. They conclude, The evidence base for using mushrooms in cancer treatment has greatly increased.However, none of these studies recommend any mushroom extract as a standalone treatment. Instead, the researchers have found that these extracts may have benefits for people who use them alongside treatments such as chemotherapy. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). PSP and PSK appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells Some evidence suggests that PSP may also have the ability to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments. Researchers have isolated the PSK compound. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved the product for this use in the U.S. (Credits: www.medicalnewstoday.com)