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Poison Oak

What does poison oak look like?

• What symptoms does poison oak cause?
• How contagious is poison oak? How is it spread?
• How do you treat poison oak?
• Prevention

Western poison oak, in the form of a bushy shrub or a climbing vine, can be found from Western Canada to Mexico. Poison oak grows from sea level to 5,000 feet of elevation. Characterized by alternate leaves with three or occasionally five veined, shiny leaflets, poison oak thrives throughout California. In the autumn, the leaves turn a deep red color.

Exposure to the oily sap contained in all parts of the poison oak - roots, stem, leaves, flowers, and the fruit (berries) - may cause skin irritation ranging from mild to severe. Between 50% and 85% of the population is allergic to poison oak, resulting in a more severe reaction when exposed.

Primary contamination results from contact with bruised or broken plant parts that release toxicodendrol, an oily resin containing the toxic chemical urushiol. Because the lacquer-like resin does not dissolve in water, it is difficult to wash off and its toxicity persists for a long time. Poison oak branches left on a garage roof for 18 months were found to be toxic. Twigs kept in water for 16 months were still active. Unwashed contaminated clothing retained toxicity for more than one year.

What symptoms does poison oak cause?

Severity of poison oak skin reaction depends on the degree of patient sensitivity, the amount of exposure, and on which body parts are exposed. Eyes, lips, genitals and other sensitive body parts exposed to poison oak sap will experience a more severe reaction.

Skin irritation characterized by redness, blistering, swelling and severe itching generally develops 24-48 hours after the exposure. Some victims experience symptoms after as little as 30 minutes. Others may not have symptoms until two weeks after their exposure.

In typical cases, the reaction is most severe five days after the exposure. Mild cases of poison oak last from seven to 10 days. Severe cases may last up to three weeks or longer. Fair-skinned people are more susceptible than dark-skinned people and younger people are more susceptible than older people.

CAUTION: Burning poison oak can result in a dangerous smoke that can cause severe symptoms to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

How contagious is poison oak? How is it spread?

Fluid in the blisters does not contain the toxic poison oak chemical, urushiol. If the blisters break, the fluid will not cause the poison oak to spread.

Scratching other parts of the body with contaminated fingernails can spread poison oak. The toxic chemical can remain under the nails for several days unless carefully removed by thorough cleaning of the nails.

A person who has washed thoroughly and has changed into clean clothing cannot spread poison oak. The only way to become a victim of poison oak is to make direct contact with the toxic resin. This is possible by coming in contact with a contaminated person who has not washed properly or changed into clean clothes.

Other secondary exposures may result from simply handling garden tools, hunting or sports equipment, or camping gear exposed to poison oak. Thick fur protects most pets that run through poison oak patches from developing symptoms. But people who touch contaminated animals can come directly in contact with the toxic resin and can develop poison oak.

How do you treat poison oak?

Treatment consists mainly of protecting the damaged skin, preventing infection and relieving the itching. The pharmacist at your local pharmacy will be happy to help you select the best over-the-counter medications to treat poison oak. Store-brand or generic versions of these medications also work and are usually available.

If the case of poison oak is severe, the patient should see a physician for more extensive treatment with stronger steroid medications.

Avoid the use of older Caladryl® that contains the ingredient "diphenhydramine," unless directed by your physician. Applying diphenhydramine to open sores and taking diphenhydramine by mouth can cause a build-up of the drug leading to toxic symptoms.

Prevention

• Learn to recognize poison oak and teach children at an early age to recognize it as well. Leaves of three, let it be.
• Wear protective clothing when out in the wild.
• Keep pets from running through poison oak areas.
• As soon as possible after an exposure, thoroughly wash the affected areas with soap and cool water. Rinse with copious amounts of cool water. (Warm water supposedly enhances the penetration of the oily sap.)
• Using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on affected skin areas and rinsing with copious amounts of cool water is said to prevent skin irritation.
• Unfortunately, urushiol binds so strongly to the skin that washing more than 15 minutes after exposure does little to remove the chemical from the skin.
• Change clothing as soon as possible after exposure and handle contaminated clothing carefully to avoid spreading the poison oak.
• Launder clothes several times before re-wearing.
• Never burn poison oak.
• Apply cool soaks or compresses to reduce itching and decrease heat from inflamed areas. Exposure to hot water increases itching.
• Do NOT wash the body with liquid bleach after a poison oak exposure. Bleach is not helpful and the vapors can be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Bleach will irritate inflamed skin even more, causing redness and pain to sensitive body parts.
• Be prepared for an exposure by including hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines in your first aid kit when hiking or camping. Check with your pharmacist for selection and use of these products.

 

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Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately by diaing 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services.