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Knowledge, precaution can help gardeners weed out potential medical problems the hobby can pose

Before you go out and plant that new rosebush or patch of summer vegetables, it is wise to know the medical problems that can arise from both the natural garden environment and tools and commercial products we use to help our gardens flourish. Being aware of these problems and taking some easy precautions against them can help keep gardening relaxing and rewarding.

"When you venture out to work in the garden, you may not be alone," explained Jeffrey Erinoff, D.O., clinical assistant professor of medicine, division of environmental medicine and toxicology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, and medical coordinator for the Jefferson Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program (JOEMP). "Depending on your location, you could come in contact with raccoons, rats, mice, squirrels or skunks, all of which can carry rabies and transmit it through a bite. If you are bitten, you should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible and seek immediate medical attention. The local health department and animal warden should also be notified. It is not safe to attempt to capture the animal on your own."

Smaller garden inhabitants like ants, mosquitoes, spiders, ticks and even some snakes can inflict bites of varying severity, with deer ticks possibly carrying Lyme disease.

Dr. Erinoff suggests brushing off and checking yourself for deer ticks, which are usually the size of a pinhead, each time you leave the garden. If you suspect you have been bitten by a tick and develop a localized, bullseye-shaped rash, muscle aches and fatigue, you may have Lyme disease and should see your doctor immediately.

Gardening in some areas may also put you at risk of developing poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac. "These plants all contain a compound called urushiol, which can cause a rash on the skin where there is direct contact or can land on yard tools, toys or even family pets, which can then reach a gardener’s hands upon contact," explained Dr. Erinoff.

Symptoms of poison oak, ivy and sumac include a red, itchy, streaking rash which is usually followed by swelling and blisters that can last up to 10 days. Treatment includes cool showers and applying over-the-counter calamine preparations. Luke-warm baths with oatmeal or baking soda can also help soothe and dry blisters. If there is widespread facial involvement or scratching causes blisters to become infected, medical attention should be sought immediately.

"Gardeners can try to prevent poison oak, ivy and sumac by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves and boots to eliminate direct contact to the skin," suggested Dr. Erinoff. "If you do suspect that you have been exposed to any of these plants, be sure to rinse the affected area with cold water as soon as possible and wash your clothing and garden tools outside with a hose."

Despite their beauty, some garden flowers can cause a gardener to develop dermatitis upon contact. "Contact with chrysanthemums, tulips, primrose, hyacinths and some cedar trees can cause localized skin rashes and irritation, which do not usually last long but can be annoying," said Dr. Erinoff.

Commercial products like herbicides and insecticides also pose a threat if used improperly. Both can irritate a gardener's eyes, mouth, nose and skin if mixed incorrectly. Prolonged exposure to herbicides can bring on allergic rhinitis and/or asthma attacks. Symptoms of acute exposure to insecticides can include blurred vision, tearing, irregular heartbeat, salivation, dizziness, labored breathing, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, or even death if the chemical is ingested. You can reduce the incidence of skin irritations and other effects of chemical contact by wearing heavy canvas or leather gloves, which will also reduce the number of cuts or lacerations caused by garden tools.

"Any chemical used in the garden or elsewhere should be stored in clearly marked containers out of the reach of children," warned Dr. Erinoff. "If poisoning is suspected, the victim should be taken to the nearest emergency facility for immediate evaluation and treatment."

For gardeners or others who suspect they are experiencing effects of chronic chemical exposure, Jefferson's Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program (JOEMP) offers a wide range of services needed to assess a patient's chemical exposure, including a personal history and a physical exam directed at the problem. Dr. Erinoff and other JOEMP physicians can also provide patients with information on the products they have used. Toxicology profiles can also be done in conjunction with a patient's primary care doctor or internist. For more information about JOEMP, please call 215-955-8381.