Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is a poisonous plant that is native to western North America. Generally, it contains the oily resin, urushiol, in its leaves, stems and roots that causes the contact dermatitis in individuals. This resin is also found in poison ivy and poison sumac. Direct contact to poison oak plant or indirect contact through coming into contact with contaminated humans or objects (clothing, tools, equipment or even pets) can all lead to poison oak rashes in individuals. Moreover, inhalation of smoke from burning a poison oak plant may also lead to irritation. Urushiol can remain active even in a dead plant.
Not all individuals who come into contact with poison oak develop an allergic reaction. One fifth of individuals who come into contact with poison oak do not develop symptoms of rashes. Moreover, these rashes are not contagious. Generally, most cases of poison oak rashes can be treated and managed at home with proper first aid. Enroll in First Aid Courses to learn how to manage irritations from poisonous plants, such as poison oak.
Poison oak is also known as western poison oak or pacific poison oak.
How to avoid poison oak
The best way to avoid poison oak is to know its appearance to avoid it when one goes outdoors. The description of poison oak is as follows:
- In open sunny areas: appears as a dense, leafy shrub
- In shaded areas: appears as a climbing vine
- Leaves have three leaflets
- Small, white to green flowers
- Summer: white to green round fruits
- Early spring: leaves appear green or light red
- Late spring/ summer: green that turns into orange and red
Signs and symptoms
The following are the signs and symptoms of rashes from poison oak. These usually develop within 12-48 hours and peak within 4 – 7 days after exposure to the plant. Symptoms should disappear within one to three weeks, depending on the severity.
- Itching that develops into contact dermatitis
- Inflammation of affected area
- Colorless bumps
- Intense itching
- Fluid-filled blisters
First aid treatment and management
First aid treatment and management for the rashes are similar to irritations from poison ivy and poison sumac. These include:
- Thoroughly wash the skin with soap and warm water. Do this as soon as possible to stop the oil from entering the skin.
- Remove clothes and shoes that may be contaminated with urushiol immediately. Wash these separately from other clothes with warm water and soap.
- To clean fingernails, use a brush to avoid spreading the urushiol to other parts of the body.
- Wear light and comfortable clothing. Sweating can worsen the itching.
- Apply cool compress over the affected areas.
- Bathe in tepid water and colloidal oatmeal to help relieve itching.
- Apply calamine and hydrocortisone creams also to help relieve itching.
Poison oak (T. diversilobum) is a poisonous plant that contains urushiol, which causes contact dermatitis upon touching the skin. It is native in N. America
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/poison-oak-pictures-remedies