I’ve always felt better when I’m outside. Give me a river, some trees, a chance to explore, and a little time away from everything else, and I’m happy.

Lately, though, getting outside hasn’t been so simple.

I’ve been dealing with severe contact dermatitis on my face. It’s more than a little redness or dry skin. It’s been painful, frustrating, itchy, and has made me rethink just about everything that I touch.

That’s a challenge when you enjoy spending time in the woods and foraging.

I’ve been looking forward to going to Bear Trap along the Madison River in southwest Montana for a very long time. I love that country, but I’ve realized I’ll have to approach things a little differently next time vs. how I used to.

The Madison River

The Madison River, is a special place that draws fishermen (and fisher ladies) floaters, hikers, runners, campers, foragers, thinkers and all sorts of different people and animals.

The water, the cottonwoods, the sagebrush, the cliffs, and surrounding hills make it a place where I can slow down and get away from everyday distractions.

I enjoy exploring the landscape, learning about the plants, and seeing what’s changed throughout the seasons. Foraging gives me another reason to pay attention to what’s growing around me.

But now I have to think about what I’m touching along the way.

Leaves, grasses, branches, sap, and unfamiliar plants can all be potential problems when you’re dealing with contact dermatitis. Having the reaction on my face makes it especially important to keep an eye on what I’m lowering into.

I’ve also learned that natural doesn’t automatically mean safe.

Making Some Changes

I don’t plan on giving up foraging. I just need to be more careful.

I’ll also pay closer attention when moving through brush and handling unfamiliar plants. Being mindful of my hands and avoiding unnecessary contact with my face will be important.

Even the campfire may need some reconsideration.

I love sitting beside a fire in Montana, especially after a long day outside. But smoke can aggravate irritated skin, and disperse oils from poisonous plants or vines.

I’m also going to be realistic about when to go. This is the second year in a row around this time, and this place I’ve come down with skin problems. There’s no reason to make things worse just to get out to this one spot. Facial swelling, particularly around the eyes or lips, deserves medical attention. Which I had to get.

Why Getting Outside Matters

When you’re dealing with a persistent skin condition, it starts taking over your attention. You wake up wondering how your face looks, whether it’s improving, and what might have triggered the latest reaction.

Its exhausting.

I just want to get outside and think about something else, and I don’t want this condition to take that away from me.

It’s my vitamin, emotional balance, peace, freedom and clarity. It touches me very deeply.

Finding A Different Way Forward

Foraging has taught me to pay attention. You learn to recognize plants, understand where they grow, and know when to leave something alone.

I’m going to have to apply some of that same thinking to my health.

Being prepared now means more than bringing the right gear. It means understanding what my skin can tolerate and making adjustments when necessary.

I may have to avoid certain plants, spend less time around smoke, or cut a trip short. It’s something else to consider. That’s just part of where things stand right now.

I don’t need to prove anything by pushing through a reaction.

I don’t know exactly what my next trip to Bear Trap will look like. Maybe I’ll spend a few hours walking along the river, looking for familiar plants, and enjoying the scenery. Maybe I’ll find a quiet spot to sit and take it all in.

For now, that’s enough.

I miss being able to head into the woods without worrying about everything that might touch my skin. Hopefully, with time, and a little planning, I’ll get more of that freedom back.

I’m not giving up on foraging or the places I love to explore. I’m just learning to do things a little differently.

The Madison River is still there. Bear Trap isn’t going anywhere.

And I’ll be back!