DON’T LET INSECTS AND DANGEROUS PLANTS RUIN YOUR ADVENTURE

Planning an exciting outdoor trip is a great bonding experience for the family? Whether you are going camping, hiking, stargazing, or mountain climbing, there are a myriad of things to organize and one thing that’s often forgotten is a remedy to deal with skin rashes that itch.

While the outdoors are great, it does come with some hazards such as bug bites and plant reactions that can result in discomfort that puts a damper on your day out.

A tube of Rhuli Gel can be conveniently slipped into your bag or first aid kit stored in your glove compartment and offers bug bite relief and sorts out rashes that feel itchy all over the body, allowing you to continue your adventures.

Nonetheless, to minimise the chances of you having to deal with itching, here are some plants and critters to look out for.

Poison Oak

Poison Oak grows as a low shrub with furry green leaves. The leaves form a cluster of three, one in the middle and two on either side. Some varieties offer yellow-white berries.

The plant contains an oil known as urushiol. When it comes into contact with the skin, the oil will cause poison oak rash.

Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is related to Poison Oak but is less common. To identify this tall tree, look out for smooth-edged leaves that are connected by red stems. It may sound attractive, but you do not want to touch it.

Like poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac also contains urushiol oil that triggers a reaction when it touches your skin. Exposure to this oil can cause a nasty rash followed by itching, swelling, blisters, or lumps.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy grows in marshy and wooded areas, in wetlands, on beaches, and along the banks of streams. Because it is a pretty plant, people may be tempted to pick it, which is not a good idea!

Poison ivy is identified by a pattern of three shiny leaves, one in the center and one on either side. The plant can grow as a climbing vine or as a shrub with dull white berries; another thing to watch out for; children mistaking the berries are edible.

While the plant is called Poison Ivy, it does not contain fatal poison. The plant does however emit a sticky oil called urushiol that creates poison ivy rash with blisters that itch and burn.

Nettle

Nettle, or Stinging nettle, does just that – it stings, and the feeling is not fun. You can identify this tall plant by its pointed leaves with coarsely toothed edges. The plant has tiny hairs on the underside of the leaves and on the stems. These hairs sting badly when they come into contact with skin. The affected area may turn red and develop a rash. Pain, irritation, and itchiness can follow.

If you or anyone of your party has accidentally come in contact with these plants, the first step is to rinse the affected area in clean water. This helps flush out the plant oils and hairs that cause the irritation.

Once that is done, apply a layer of Rhuli Gel to smooth the area. Our fast acting, non-drip formula is the perfect solution to provide relief.

If more severe symptoms occur, you will need to seek medical attention.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

While Rhuli Gel can help deal with discomfort and itching, some people may experience severe allergic reactions that require medical attention. If a member of your group experiences any of these symptoms seek medical help immediately.

Throat closing up
Difficulty breathing
Swollen lips, tongue, or face
Chest pains
Severe headache
Racing heartbeat
Dizziness
Vomiting

It may sound like there are a host of lethal plants out there, just waiting to ruin your trip. However, by taking care and being aware of what plants to avoid, you should be able to navigate the wild outdoors quite safely.

INSECTS THAT YOU SHOULD GIVE A WIDE BERTH

Now that we have the plants identified, let’s talk about the insects that you should give a wide berth.

Mosquitoes

Wading into a swamp, pond, or lake could disturb mosquitoes who will be quite happy to feed on your blood as a tasty meal. When they bite, they leave an itchy welt that can be extremely annoying, especially for children. You can identify mosquito bites by the round bump that forms with a red dot in the middle.

Sandflies

Sandflies are found in the sand close to running water, which means they are often located at the edge of pools, lakes and beaches. They also inhabit rock crevices and caves. Sandfly bites are painful and can cause red bumps and blisters.

Chiggers

Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are tiny mites that bite. The bite itself is not painful, but the skin will develop small pimples that become intensely itchy. Groups of chiggers often get caught in the elastic of underwear or socks, where they bite many times.

Chiggers live in moist spots like grassy fields and forests. Since chiggers are too small to be seen by the naked eye, the best defence against them is insect repellent and wearing protective clothing that is loose fitting, covers as much skin as possible and is made out of tightly woven fabric.

Of course, it is impossible to completely avoid insects while you are outdoors. In the unfortunate case that you do end up on the biting end of these insects, scratching must be avoided to prevent infection.

The analgesic properties of Rhuli Gel will reduce itching and inflammation providing you with relief to carry on with your exploration.

Ready to head out?

Before you set out into the Great Outdoors, here are some precautions that may help reduce the inconvenience of plant rashes and insect bites.

Besides being able to identify the plants and insects to avoid, wear long-sleeved tops, long pants and closed shoes.

Tying pants closed or tucking them into boots is a great way to prevent contact with dangerous plants and prevents insects from getting to your skin. And, always have your tube of Rhuli Gel handy!

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