Dieffenbachia Dumb cane and skin rashes

[Emy]

Well, I had no idea that this plant was somewhat poisonous so I pinched off several leaves of my plant yesterday and after awhile it started to itch and burn on both my indexfingers and thumbs so I washed them. But unfortunatly that didn't help much, 36 hrs later, my fingers are still irritated and swollen. I've tried washing them with soap and tried some lemon today (if perhaps it could neutralize it) but so far no luck.... :( I have no idea on what type of poison this plant has either, if I did it might help me think of something to do to make the burn go away.

Does anyone here know of something I can do to make it feel better? I know it will probably go away in a little while but it is really annoying so any remedy you can think of will be very welcome.

[Emy]

found out what kind of poison it is... it is calcium oxalate
Doesn't help me much though... but maybe someone here knows what to do when you have exposed your fingers to this poison?

[Mithrea]

Calcium Oxalate is a base so the lemon juice was the right choice (or perhaps vinegar). At this point, you probably aren't reacting to the poison, you just need to soothe the damaged, burned skin cells. For that, I always go with Aloe. If it doesn't look like it's starting to heal in a day or two, I would recommend seeing a doctor for something for pain and perhaps an antibiotic ointment (depending on how extensive the damage is).


(((((Emy))))) I know that has to hurt. Let us know what happens.

[Emy]

I just put some aloe gel on my fingers... they are feeling a little better now :) I think you are right, Mithrea, it's the damaged cells that are causing the pain... Anyways, it doesn't ache right now, it is a bit swollen and itchy though but I take that as a sign of improvement :) hopefully it will feel a lot better tomorrow :)

[Lavender]

Try massaging them with a oatmeal paste. Oatmeal is very soothing and might help relieve the pain and itching.

[Emy]

Thanx wildchild :)

I'll try that right now :)

[materra]

Remember this is a type of chemical burn, so be gentle with the tissue so you don't damage the cells more. Keep it as clean as possible. BB

[Emy]

Thank you, I'll be careful :)

[Emy]

Just thought I'd let you all know that my fingers are much much better now :) Thanks for all your help :)

[Mithrea]

That's good to hear :D

[Lavender]

Glad to hear that, Emy! :)

[materra]

Glad to hear this...take care now...BB