Poison oak is a plant that is native to the West Coast and Southern sections of the United States. The plant grows in either a shrub or vine formation; its yellow or green flowers may include white berries . Poison oak leaves contain an oil called urushiol, an irritant that produces an itchy, swollen red rash in humans. If you have contracted poison oak, you can treat your discomfort through a variety of home remedies.
Step 1
Wash the area of your body that has come into contact with poison oak as soon as you realize you have been exposed, advises the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Use rubbing alcohol or a degreasing form of liquid dish detergent to remove urushiol oils from your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that you may not develop a rash for up to three days after being exposed to poison oak and its urushiol oil. You may be able to limit your reaction if you act quickly to remove the oil from your skin.
Step 2
Scrub your fingernails or toenails with a nail brush and soap if your hands and feet have been exposed to poison oak. The urushiol oil can remain active for long periods of time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and be retained under your nails.
Step 3
Apply cool compresses to your skin to relieve itching and to help prevent blistering of your skin. Launder each cloth after using it, to avoid further contamination with urushiol.
Step 4
Take an oatmeal bath to relieve your itching. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground and effective in a lukewarm bath. If you do not have any oatmeal, baking soda sprinkled in your bathwater can soothe your poison oak rash.
Tips and Warnings
- If you continue to itch from poison ivy after trying home remedies, use an over-the-counter antihistamine, according to the advice of NIOSH. Oral and topical forms of the medications can soothe the rash and alleviate itching.
- Be sure to wash all of your clothing, bedding, sports equipment and tools that may have come in contact with poison oak, to avoid future or prolonged outbreaks. Equipment that cannot be laundered in a washing machine can be wiped down with rubbing alcohol.
Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish soap
- Nail brush
- Cool compress
- Oatmeal
- Washing machine
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