Poison oak rash is a type of allergic skin rash that causes contact dermatitis. The poison oak's leaves, stems and roots contain an oily substance called urushiol; when urushiol comes in contact with skin, a rash forms. MayoClinic.com states that symptoms include redness, itching, swelling and blisters. A skin reaction occurs 12 to 48 hours after exposure and symptoms generally last up to eight weeks. The harshness of the skin rash is dependent on the amount of the skin's surface exposed to urushiol. Seek medical attention if the rash covers a large area, fever greater than 100 degrees is present or blisters become pus filled.
Step 1
Take off all clothing exposed to the poison oak plant. Place clothing directly into a washing machine and clean. Submerge items into a basin filled with hot, soapy water if a washing machine is not available. Don't forget to wash shoes.
Step 2
Wash all areas of skin where urushiol is present with cool, soapy water, advises the Cleveland Clinic. Submerge your skin into a stream or pond if outdoors. Scrub the area underneath fingernails with a small scrub brush. MedlinePlus recommends removing as much urushiol as possible within the first 30 minutes to decrease the severity of the rash.
Step 3
Stay in a cool environment and avoid sweating, suggests MedlinePlus. Sweating increases skin irritation, causing the skin to itch. Apply cool compresses to aggravated skin for 15 to 30 minutes, advises MayoClinic.com. Dip a washcloth or paper towel in ice water and hold against the rash area.
Step 4
Decrease itching by taking oatmeal baths. Add oatmeal or oatmeal bath products to tepid water. Soak in the water as needed to calm skin. Pat, not rub, skin dry with a clean towel after bathing.
Step 5
Rub calamine lotion or hydrocortisone lotions onto the skin gently after you bath or throughout the day as needed to decrease further irritation. Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine if itching, swelling and irritation continue. MayoClinic.com suggests diphenhydramine, commercially sold as Benadryl. The medication will make you drowsy; avoid taking the medication during the day while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Tips and Warnings
- According to MedlinePlus, poison oak primarily grows on the West coast. The plant is a shrub and has three leaves on a stalk. Poison oak rash is not contagious. Once the urushiol is washed from the skin, a second person cannot be contaminated with the oily substance. Blisters oozing fluids will not cause a poison oak rash.
- Properly clean all items that have been exposed to urushiol including pets, gardening tools and other outdoor equipment.
Things You'll Need
- Washing machine
- Large basin or tub
- Laundry soap
- Scrub brush
- Washcloth
- Paper towel
- Oatmeal or oatmeal bath products
- Diphenhydramine or other oral antihistamines
