I have a compost pile behind my garage, where the garages of three of my neighbors meet. Weed trees and vines grow between the garages unabated. As I was removing compost, I was pull out the roots that have snuck into my pile. This has left me with inflamed skin on my fingers and palms. I washed with cool water and used two different lotions ("corn huskers" and "working man's"). The worst bits are stained orange. Any ideas of what the heck I am reacting to?

Yeah yeah, I should have had gloves on.

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No clue, it could have been any number of things, even a fungus on the plants themselves that's irritating you and causing the staining. If you have witch hazel, try washing with that.

Of course, if it persists see a doctor...

wash thoroughly with mild soap and water. if the itchiness or irritation continues drink some diphenhydramine. if it gets worse, go see a doctor

Thanks. the only antihistime I have at the moment is in the form of Nyquil. I will seek out adult benedryl tomorrow. Its calmed down to just a rope burn feeling.

An old trick is to wash your hands with milk. Don't ask me why, or what this does, but it might be worth a shot and it sure isn't going to hurt. Oh, then re-wash with water to remove the milk, of course.

Since you mentioned that you were pulling out roots, I'm going to guess that you've got some poison ivy/oak/sumac that was invading the pile.