Visha Sores

Vishaic Oedema

Vishaic Oedema, known as a Visha Sore, is a painful swelling of regions of the body where the tissues fill with fluid as a result of coming into contact with the sap of the Visha Digitalis (Poison Finger or Visha's Finger) plant. Not technically a sore but a type of swelling resembling typical Oedema, they are characterised by the addition of purple-black burn marks upon the surface of the skin, often with thin, vein-like markings radiating off the burn. Visha Sores are extremely painful compared to other types of Oedema, with many sufferers reporting burning sensations, throbbing pain, and stretched, itchy skin.

Most occurrences of Visha Sores occur after accidental exposure during harvesting of Visha Digitalis for potionmaking and spellcrafting, or when encountered out in the wild by unknowing travellers. Visha Digitalis typically grows in temperate, inland meadow regions where it requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so the condition is rare around coastline regions, but considered common elsewhere.

Visha Sores are typically non-fatal so long as the sap is not exposed to the face or swallowed, in which cases the swelling can prove more dangerous. Rare cases of the sap being introduced to the ears and eyes have resulted in blindness and deafness, and exposure to large amounts of sap can lead to further medical complications. While technically non-contagious, it is possible to transfer the sap from one person to another, thereby spreading the condition.

Causes

Visha Sores are caused by exposure to Vishaic Sap, from the Visha Digitalis plant. Vishaic Sap is mildly corrosive, and causes burns when it comes into contact with skin, however it also contacts chemicals that cause an immune response which forces fluid to build up in the area that the sap came into contact with. Visha Sores can result from exposure to a single drop of sap, though the seriousness of the reaction is relative to the amount of sap the body is exposed to.

Symptoms

The condition first manifests the moment the sap of the Visha Digitalis touches the skin by causing a burning sensation, followed by skin blisters and burns that colour the skin purplish-black. This is quickly followed by the tissues around the area filling with fluid and swelling, with burning, pain and tightness in the skin around the area.

Treatment

Visha Sores typically go away on their own after a few days, though pain, itching, and the original skin burns are treated with topical solutions. Severe exposure or incidents where the sap is exposed to the face, eyes, ears, or via the mouth require more serious medical intervention to prevent serious complications, or even death.

Prognosis

Generally non-fatal, Visha Sores are more an irritation and inconvenience than a cause for major alarm. The exception to this is when the sap is introduced in large amounts, is exposed to the face, eyes, ears, or consumed by mouth. In these instances, if medical aid is not administered quickly, it can prove fatal or result in long term complications. 97% of people reporting Visha Sores survive the condition, with the remaining 3% typically dying within days of exposure to the sap due to suffocation or internal bleeding from ruptures caused by the swelling.

Sequela

Most cases of Visha Sores leave no lingering pathological conditions or complications, however exposure to the eyes and ears can result in blindness or deafness. Sap exposure to the face can also result in pressure being placed on the brain, which may lead to neurological conditions, though the permanency of these can vary.

Contents

Type

Chemical Compound

Rarity

Common