Facts on Poison Oak

1. An Oil to Avoid

Poison oak and its cousins, poison ivy and poison sumac, all release the oil urushiol from every part of the plant. This oil is extraordinarily powerful; even a billionth of a gram can cause a rash for most people. A quarter of an ounce would cause a rash on every person in the world! The oil is active for 1 to 5 years, even on dead plants.

2. You Might Have Poison Oak If....

Severely itchy skin is the first symptom of a poison oak rash. You may not have been outside, but you can develop a poison oak rash from contact with material contaminated with urushiol oil. For instance, if you lay infected firewood on a hearth, oil transfers to the hearth. If you sit on the hearth with bare legs, you can develop the rash. Another symptom of the rash is red, blistered skin. If the rash is severe, it may ooze a clear liquid.

3. Know the Leaf to Look For

Unfortunately, you may have difficulty identifying poison oak because plants can take several forms. You may see it as a vine, small shrub or a tree that can grow up to 30 feet high. Poison oak plants have clusters of three lobed, hairless leaves per stem. The leaves are light green in the spring with small clusters of whitish green flowers. Look for plants with reddish, pink and green leaves in the summer and fall with whitish and tan berries. In winter, the plant has no leaves and shrubs or trees will have small whip-like branches or be a climbing vine.

4. Rash Remedy Relief

Once you have a poison oak, the best healer is time. The rash has to run its course, but you can take steps to relieve symptoms. You may find relief for itching with cortisone creams, antihistamine tablets, Epsom salt or baking soda soaks and aloe vera gel. If the rash is severe, on the face or is infected, go to the doctor; he may give you steroid shots to dry the rash, antibiotics if there is an infection and a prescription for itching.

5. Staying Indoors Isn't Enough

Poison oak rash prevention may sound obvious, but just staying away from the plant isn't always enough. Burning poison oak causes exposure to the oil, so don't burn weeds and clippings unless you're sure poison oak isn't in the mix. Exposed dogs, people or other items can cause the rash, so be aware if you're allergic. The best prevention if you know you will be in an area with poison oak is to wear long sleeves, pants, a hat and gloves.