ST. GEORGE — Heat and humidity is what makes a Louisiana summer but that doesn’t stop most people from getting down and dirty during the hottest months of the year, whether that’s clearing vines and other debris from woods behind your house or setting up garden planters in the soil.
Owner and founder of Patient Plus, Dr. Rubin Patel, says that while there is a lot to do to get your yard up to par during the summer months, there are also several things to be aware of.
“A lot of people are cleaning up their yards from all the overgrowth that we have here in Louisiana. With that, you have the exposures to certain plants that can cause rashes. We all know about, poison oak and Ivy as well as poison sumac and with these type of plants, all it takes is just direct touching, or even if you’re burning it, for some of those oils to get on you,” Patel said.
While it may be uncomfortable, Patel said wearing layers while working in heavy overgrowth can prevent exposure to these types of plants.
“Wearing long sleeves, wearing gloves, wearing pants when you’re doing yard work, sometimes that can be hard when you’re camping, but try to wear anything lightweight, like a long sleeve performance shirt, maybe some lightweight pants, to where you’re not exposing your skin to these certain plants,” Patel said.
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Some individuals may also have more severe reactions to to touching these plants so Patel said it’s important to know if you’re especially sensitive.
“So if you find out you’re one of those individuals, you really just need to avoid these plants in general, and maybe not go camping. Or if you do go camping, stay away from plants. Stay on trails that are wide open. If you’re going to be doing yard work, don’t cut down plants. Give that to your kids. Give that to your wife. Give that to your husband to do instead,” Patel said.
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