penyebab utamanya calcium oxalate. gatalnya mungkin bisa diatasi pake
topical antihistamine. anda bisa coba caladine lotion (ex yupharin) atau sediaan lain yg mengandung diphenhydramine.
Calcium oxalate has been found in members of at least 215 plant families. It may be found in any part of the plant in varying concentrations. Cacti can accumulate huge quantities, such as
Cephalocereus senilis that contains up to 85% ash weight calcium oxalate! Crystals of calcium oxalate form within plant cells and may aid ionic balance, help remove excess oxalic acid, or protect the plant against foraging animals. While calcium oxalate alone can cause irritant dermatitis, it is probably not the sole irritant in plants containing it.
The prototypical calcium oxalate-containing plant is
Dieffenbachia picta (Araceae) (Dumb cane, Mother-in-law's tongue). Millions decorate American homes. Common, related plants include
Philodendron spp. (Araceae), and rhubarb,
Rheum rhaponticum, (Polygonaceae). 'Dumb cane' received its name because chewing the leaves can lead to salivation, burning, mucosal edema, and blisters causing hoarseness or aphonia. Calcium oxalate, a water insoluble salt, is ejected from the plant when exposed to water, as in the skin or mucosa.
Bulb dermatitis is less dramatic but more common. Hyacinth,
Hyacinthus orientalis (Liliaceae), bulbs contain up to 6% calcium oxalate. Sap from daffodil,
Narcissus spp. (Amaryllidaceae), stems causes one of the most common dermatitis in florists, 'daffodil itch.' Dryness, fissures, scaling, and erythema chiefly affect the fingertips, hands, and forearms and are often accompanied by subungual hyperkeratosis.
Calcium oxalate can enhance the irritancy of other chemicals, such as the proteolytic enzyme bromelin found in pineapples,
Ananas comosus (Bromeliaceae), by increasing penetration through the stratum corneum. Pineapple workers often develop cracks, fissures, loss of fingerprints, and microhemorrhages of their hands resulting from juice contact. After the calcium oxalate causes microabrasions, the bromelin exerts its proteolytic effect on dermal blood vessels. Treatment of calcium oxalate ingestion includes parenteral steroids, antacid mouthwashes, and analgesics. Antihistamines are of no benefit. The pain and edema diminish over four to twelve days. (Sumber:
Botanical Dermatology)
sedikit cuplikan dari MSDS (material safety data sheets) oxalic acid:
First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician immediately.
Ingestion:
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of limewater or milk to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician immediately.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, wipe off excess from skin then immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Call a physician immediately.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with gentle but large stream of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Call a physician immediately.