Poison oak, as well poison ivy and poison sumac, cause allergic contact dermatitis reactions in as many as seven out of 10 people, according to the the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The chemical urushiol causes itching, rash and blisters to form over the course of several days. Most cases can be treated using home remedies; however, if there is respiratory distress, or if the plant is exposed to the eyes, genital region or mouth, visiting the emergency room is a priority.
Cleansing
Thoroughly washing the skin with cool water and soap is the first step. Hot water opens the skin's pores and allows the urushiol to penetrate the skin, and should not be used. A person should scrub underneath fingernails and thoroughly rinse the skin. If outdoors, using the water from a natural source such as a stream or pond is recommended. According to MedlinePlus, washing the skin an hour after the poison oak plant has contacted the skin may not be beneficial. If the plant has contacted the eyes, they need to be flushed with cool water, allowing the water to drain away from the face and not transfer into the other eye; medical help is needed to avoid complications to the eyes. Cool showers or bath may be taken once a rash or itching develops to cool the skin. All items which may have been in contact with the poison oak, including garden tools and outdoor pets, should also be washed to remove the urushiol.
Oatmeal Baths and Pastes
A small amount of uncooked oatmeal may be added to cool bathwater to comfort poison oak-affected skin. According to MayoClinic.com, oatmeal baths soothe irritated skin and relieve itching. Alternatively, a mix of oatmeal and a small amount of cool water creates a paste, if taking a bath is not convenient. The paste may be applied to the skin to decrease itching and irritation. Baking soda may also be added to bath water and used as a paste if oatmeal is not available.
Compresses and Bandages
As the poison oak develops, a red rash and blisters form on the skin, causing itching and irritation. Cold compresses, small towels or gauze soaked in ice water can give temporary relief and prevent hard crusts from forming on the skin's surface. Moist bandages may be applied to the skin to prevent scratching. If scratching becomes an issue, a person may trim the fingernails short or wear gloves when sleeping. Rubbing an ice cube onto the rash or blisters also decreases the urge to scratch.
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