According to Dr. Harris Steinman, an allergy expert from South Africa, "Russian thistle can cause dermatitis in persons who come into direct contact with it. The dermatitis appears to be due only to mechanical irritation from plant floral bracts, which pierce the skin and stimulate an urticarial reaction."
Can Russian thistle cause dermatitis?
According to Dr. Harris Steinman, an allergy expert from South Africa, "Russian thistle can cause dermatitis in persons who come into direct contact with it. The dermatitis appears to be due only to mechanical irritation from plant floral bracts, which pierce the skin and stimulate an urticarial reaction."
What is Russian thistle?
Russian thistle is an annual herb with dry spine-tipped leaves. It is widely branching and has small flowers. The plant is commonly found in disturbed areas, along roadsides and in pastures. Old plants often break off and become “tumbleweeds”. The pollen grains are spheroidal with large pores and a thick exine.
Is Russian thistle a good species for biological control in California?
Research: Russian thistle is an exotic weed species and is a good candidate for biological control. A pith-boring moth and a case-bearing moth have been established as biocontrol agents in California, but are ineffective.
How do you get rid of a thistle Sting?
Relief From the Sting of a Thistle Plant 1 Remove the Cause of Irritation. First, you will want to remove the cause of irritation; hopefully,... 2 Drug Treatments. An antihistamine will block the cause of the swelling and itching... 3 Natural Remedies. Many people wish to avoid the use of drugs and medications, and choose home remedies.
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Where is Russian thistle found?
Distribution: Russian thistle is a summer annual native to southeastern Russia and western Siberia and was originally introduced into the United States as a contaminant of flax seed in South Dakota in 1873.
Can you be allergic to thistles?
Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.
Is Russian thistle poisonous?
The plant is edible and serves as a food source to some livestock which graze in the desert but it is also, paradoxically, poisonous if eaten in too great of a quantity. Known by the scientific name Salsola tragus, it occurs throughout the western states, most often in dry areas.
What is Saltwort allergy?
Common Symptoms Saltwort allergy symptoms can be similar to many other pollen allergies and may include: Sneezing. Nasal congestion. Runny nose.
What does thistle rash look like?
This may appear red or pink on light skin. On black or brown skin tones, the rash may appear purple, gray, black, or darker than the surrounding area of skin. This rash will be worst in patches of skin that had direct contact with urushiol. Blisters.
Do thistles make you itchy?
Many plant-related rashes are caused by plants containing spines, thorns, or small emergences called glochids. These plants include cacti and prickly pear, figs, mulberries, thistles, and saw palmetto. If the spine gets under your skin, it can cause itchy, bumpy eruptions.
Is thistle poisonous to humans?
It may look dangerous, but it is not poisonous. In fact, it has an edible stem.
What animals eat Russian thistle?
Mice, bighorn sheep and pronghorn eat the tender shoots. As it rolls down a desert road, Russian thistle plants do what they do best, disperse seeds, which typically number 250,000 per plant.
Is Russian thistle invasive species?
Russian thistle is especially invasive in disturbed regions, such as in agricultural land or along stream banks, making revegetation and monitoring work critical to ensure that this weed does not re-establish itself in restored watersheds.
What is Elm allergy?
If you find yourself fighting a mid-winter allergic reaction, elm is a likely culprit. Elm pollen affects allergy sufferers with asthma-like symptoms, itching, sneezing, wheezing, headache, sinus pain, breathing problems, red or tearing eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, cough, or dark circles under eyes.
What is pigweed allergy?
Pigweed allergies, also known as Lamb's Quarters, is a weed that produces heavy pollen and can induce hayfever, asthma, and conjunctivitis symptoms. Pigweed pollen is most common during the summer months. It can be found in nurseries, crops, roadsides, pastures, and other rural areas.
What is sagebrush allergy?
Sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, nose and throat, or worsening of asthma symptoms are common in people with poorly managed asthma and allergies. Sagebrush allergy might be something you're dealing with. Sagebrush flowers usually from Mid-August to late September generating pollen in North-western US.
Allergy Information
Russian thistle is a member of the Goosefoot family, which is a frequent cause of allergy for some.
Genus Details
Russian thistle is an annual herb with dry spine-tipped leaves. It is widely branching and has small flowers. The plant is commonly found in disturbed areas, along roadsides and in pastures. Old plants often break off and become “tumbleweeds”.
Pollen Description
The pollen grains are spheroidal with large pores and a thick exine. The pollen grains are similar to those of the Amaranthaceae family.
Genus Distribution
The shaded areas on the map indicates where the genus has been observed in the United States.
Where does the Russian thistle come from?
Distribution: Russian thistle is a summer annual native to southeastern Russia and western Siberia and was originally introduced into the United States as a contaminant of flax seed in South Dakota in 1873. Within 20 years, it had spread to 16 western states and several Canadian provinces.
Is Russian thistle a weed?
The Situation: Russian thistle, commonly known as tumbleweed, is a profusely branched annual herb. Its efficient taproot, abundant seed production and reduced leaf surface adapt this weed well to disturbed semiarid agricultural environments, rangeland and nonagricultural areas such as vacant resident lots and railroad or highway rights-of-way. It has become pervasive as an exotic weed species throughout California and the western United States.
How to get rid of thistle rash?
It may be necessary to use tweezers. Plant saps and pollen can increase the reaction so you will want to wash with soap and water to remove these. This type of rash will go away on its own, usually within several hours to a day. However, if it is still quite painful, here are some more approaches to try.
How to stop itching and swelling from a swollen ear?
An antihistamine will block the cause of the swelling and itching and make you more comfortable. Diphenhydramine, probably the most well-known antihistamine, can be purchased over the counter in various forms. If you take pills or a liquid by mouth, it will help ease your symptoms but may take several hours to have an effect. Applying a topical cream provides relief more quickly. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness and should not be taken if you need to remain alert. You should also avoid antihistamines if you are pregnant; check with your doctor if in doubt.
