Poison Oak Rash

Poison oak, belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is a potent plant that causes dermatitis when it comes in contact with human skin. There are two species of poison oak namely, Toxicodendron diversilobum and T. pubescence. As the former species is abundantly found in the western coast of North America, it is commonly referred to as western poison oak. The latter species is adapted to the Atlantic coast, hence known as Atlantic poison oak. Both these species contain urushiol, which is the prime organic oil responsible for causing dermatitis. Every year, millions of people, irrespective of the age, gender and race, are affected with mild to severe poison oak rash.

Poison Oak: Plant Identification
Despite the name, poison oak is not related to the common oak tree. Rather it is a dense shrub when grown outdoors and a climber such as a vine, in shaded areas. The leaves are arranged in a three-leaf pattern (like that of oak) and their color vary with each season. For example, in spring, the foliage is bright green and you can observe whitish blooms developing in the stem, whereas, in summer the leaves turn yellowish green, pinkish or reddish. In the fall season, the leaves are dark red or brownish in color.

Identifying a poison oak plant is quite tricky as there are several plants that show similar characteristics with them. Also, it is very much similar to poison ivy, except that the latter resembles a woody vine. The worst fact is that the surface oil, urushiol remains active for about 5 years in dead poison oak plants. So, do not take the risk of handling even dead plant parts. On the safer side, do not touch any unknown plant that you come across while going outdoors. Only then, you can protect yourself from such deadly plants.

Poison Oak Rash: Symptoms
Allergic reactions start within 8-48 hours after the skin touches the leaves, twigs and other parts of the poison oak plants. The symptoms of poison oak rash starts with severe itching that progresses to redness, inflammation and swelling along a lineal pattern (where the plant brushes). Within a few days, the red rashes turn colorless bumps, slightly raised from the surrounding skin area. Upon scratching, these bumps develop into fluid-filled blisters that open and crust over with time. In severe cases, poison oak rash symptoms may be accompanied with swelling of the face, neck and genitals.

As per studies, it is observed that about 15-30 percent people have not shown poison oak rash in the first exposure. But, many of them manifest skin rashes after repetitive exposure to poison oak plants. Is poison oak rash contagious? is a question that concerns many people. Poison oak rash, by itself, is not contagious and develops as an immune reaction to urushiol. Nevertheless, if urushiol oil retains in the skin and spreads to others, then it again causes poison oak rash. This way, poison oak rash spreading rarely takes place from one person to another.

Poison Oak Rash: Treatment
Mild poison oak rash recovers on its own without any therapeutic intervention. However, the doctor may consider treatment for moderate to severe poison oak rash. Poison oak treatment is also essential for people who have a compromised immune system. In such cases, the physician may recommend corticosteroid pills, skin ointments and at times, injections for combating the skin reactions. If left untreated, poison oak rash duration is about 10 days to 3 weeks. In hypersensitive people, healing time may be as long as 6 weeks.

Poison Oak Rash: Remedies
While speaking about poison oak rash remedies, there is nothing more to say other than self care tips to combat the skin symptoms and prevent further spreading. Effective first aid tips and remedies for poison oak rash treatment include the following.

• Wash the affected area with water and prescription soap as soon as you get exposed to the poison oak plant (if possible within 30 minutes).
• Avoid using a scrubber, so as to minimize spreading of the plant toxin to other body parts.
• Do not use hot water for washing the affected areas, as it can trigger poison oak rash and increase spreading.
• In order to combat itching, apply cold and wet compresses (remember not hot compresses) over the affected areas.
• Body sweat can worsen poison oak rash, hence take cold showers frequently and ensure that you remain cool.
• You can add oatmeal water, Epsom salt or baking soda to a cool bath and soak the affected areas for about 15 minutes.
• Even though you might find it very tempting to scratch the affected areas, avoid rubbing your skin as far as possible to minimize blistering.
• You can apply over-the-counter calamine lotion and cream to combat severe itching and blister formation.
• Wash your clothing and shoes thoroughly, whichever you touch, as urushiol oil can linger on them for longer periods.

Not all people show the same healing responses with the above tips for poison oak rash cure. Hence, the recovery time may vary from one individual to another. Spring to fall season is the worst time for contacting poison oak. Accordingly, prepare yourself and take care that you do not touch the plants. Make sure you wear long sleeves and long pants while performing outdoor activities. If poison oak rash symptoms do not improve after practicing the above remedies, get yourself checked by a qualified physician.