I would try two things. First, I would slather the well washed area with cortisone cream or ointment, over the counter. But I was amazed at how well the contents of a vitamin E gel pill soothed and cut the pain of a bad burn. Did not even blister. So if you have some gel pills in vitamin E, poke a pin in one end of the pill and squeeze the gel out onto the area.

Thanks so very much, Sheila. I do have some Vitamin E caps..or oil. I'll give that a try. And...if that doesn't work...I have the OTC cortisone cream, too. I simply couldn't believe how aggressive that sap was. Perhaps it was more so with me because I already have skin problems...but that plant sure got its message across loud and clear. I won't be messing with the dumb cane any more. I've always kept the plant far away from my furry roommate...knowing it was toxic to her...but completely ignored the fact that it might be equally so to me.

Anne

Fresh aloe gel, maybe? It works wonders on some things, but I've had no experience with dumb cane. Sorry this happened to you, Anne!

It IS the sap in the Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) that causes the problems, or rather the calcium oxalate crystals in the sap. The sap, of course, is located in the vascular system (veins) located throughout the plant, including the leaves.

Many of our most common houseplants contain calcium oxalate, though your Dieffenbachia is one of the worst. I'm afraid that the only thing you can do at this point is to keep the topical analgesics applied. You might even try an aspirin by mouth.

Me, too, Susan. :-( I needed this like I needed another hole in my head...but I can definitely state that I've learned my lesson when it comes to the dumb cane. It's earned my undying respect. Thank you for reminding me about aloe gel. I need to refresh my supply.

Thank you, Rhizo. I hadn't considered the aspirin as I take one 325mg at night for genetic circulatory issues and rarely think about its other benefits. Guess what I'm swallowing as I type this? Yup!

And Sheila...the cortisone cream seems to be helping. The skin heat is beginning to subside. I haven't the time to baby this hand so I slathered on the cream and put on a latex free glove so I can continue my household chores. Hopefully, the glove is helping with the cortisone absorption.

You're all terrific! Many thanks!

Anne

Once when I'd blistered feet from hitch-hiking in summer ... a friend applied aloe vera from her plant and I was amazed at how quickly it healed ... but don't know about the itching.

So I, also, was planning to suggest it.

ole joyful