Poison Oak Rash Treatment

The skin rash that develops when the skin comes in contact with the poison oak plant, appears in the form of lines or streaks. Apart from the rash being red, itchy and uncomfortable, it is also marked by fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or large raised areas (hives). So what is responsible in the plant for bringing up this kind of skin disorder? The responsible agent is an oil known as urushiol, which is present in all parts of the poison oak, including its leaves, steams, berries, flowers and roots. This particular oil is an allergen by nature and the skin rash that it causes is actually an allergic reaction. The rash is not only caused through direct contact with the plant, but through indirect contact as well. For instance, things like clothing, fur, gardening tools, etc, which might have come in contact with the allergic oil, may cause a skin rash when touched. However, it has been studied that the poison oak does not affect every person who comes in contact with its oil.

Symptoms that May Accompany the Rash

It may take 8 hours to 2 days for the rash to develop on the skin after having made contact with the plant's allergic oil. But in some people, the rash has been known to have emerged within a span of 5 hours to 15 days after touching the plant. Common symptoms which people display include itching of the area of the skin which has touched the plant, development of small bumps or hives, fluid-filled blisters and redness of the area which might have gotten bruised against the plant. These symptoms may turn out to be severe for people who are sensitive to urushiol or have come in contact with a good amount of the same. Severe symptoms may include large blisters which may leak large amounts of fluid, and swelling of the face, mouth, neck, eyelids and even genitals.

Note that rash cannot be passed on from one affected person to another, even if the rash or blisters are touched. If the rash seems to be spreading to different parts of the body, it may occur due to the earlier contact with the plant or, that the person may have come in contact with more urushiol.

Treatment Measures

Without treatment, the poison oak rash may stay for as long as 10 days to 3 weeks. However, this period may stretch to 6 weeks for people who are more sensitive to the plant. One simple remedy to take care of the rash is getting the affected area washed immediately after coming in contact with the plant. Taking cool baths and using cool compresses on the affected skin helps in relieving the symptoms. Use of over-the-counter antihistamines and calamine lotions is also recommended for treating the rash. For moderate and severe symptoms of the skin rash, it is wise to visit a doctor. You never know what complications the skin rash may cause.

Quick Tips To Manage Poison Oak Rash

• Apply the gel from the stems of the jewelweed plant, immediately after contact with a poison oak. It may prevent the rash from occurring and may also relieve pain
• Aloe vera gel is also helpful as it reduces inflammation and soothes skin irritation. It is more effective when used in combination with extracts of lavender, goldenseal, and comfrey
• Apply baking soda or vinegar directly to the skin rash. You can also use any one of them while bathing. It treats inflammation, itching and pain
• Add oatmeal to a warm bath or make a thick paste out of it to be applied on the rash

As mentioned earlier, some moderate or severe cases of poison oak rash may not respond well to the methods described above. In such cases, doctors may employ a more aggressive treatment for taking care of the problem.