Poison oak rashes can be annoying, but it's easy to relieve symptoms. If you have come into contact with this plant, it is important to clean the affected area immediately and avoid spreading the oils that cause irritation. Afterward, treat the irritated area with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, see your doctor if you have a severe reaction, if the irritation is widespread, if your symptoms get worse, or if you've been breathing in the smoke of a poison oak.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: What to Do Following Exposure to Poisonous Oak
Step 1. Rinse the skin with soap and water to remove the plant oil
This is the first thing you should do in case of exposure. Wash as soon as possible, preferably within 30 minutes of the accident.
- If you are still in the woods, away from a bathroom, look for the nearest stream and wash up. This allows you to get rid of uruscium (the substance that causes the allergic reaction) left on the skin and relieve irritation.
- If you don't have water available, you can also use rubbing alcohol or lemon juice to remove uruscium from the irritated area.
Step 2. Do not touch anything, so as not to spread the oil
Once you are certain that you have been exposed to poison oak, avoid touching objects or people until you have a chance to wash. Poison oak is no longer contagious when you wipe all the uruscium off your skin, so you can touch things again after washing well.
Step 3. Change clothes that can be contaminated
Uruscium can spread through clothing, spreading the irritation to other parts of the body as well as to other people. To prevent this, take off all the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the plant.
- Once your clothes are off, wash them according to the directions on the label to remove the uruscium. To be safe, wash them yourself to avoid cross-contamination.
- You should also wash all utensils and other items that may have come into contact with the plant or skin after exposure.
Step 4. Avoid scratching yourself so you don't spread irritation and scratch yourself
You can transfer the rash to other areas of the body if you scratch too much before removing the uruscium. Once you have washed, you no longer run the risk of spreading the irritation, so you can touch yourself normally.
While it is not possible to spread the irritation after removing uruscium from the skin, you can still make the problem worse and cause damage to the skin by scratching. Avoid doing this, even if it itches a lot, so that you can heal as soon as possible
Step 5. Learn why you have an irritation
Poison oak leaves and branches contain urusciolo, a substance that causes an allergic reaction on the skin. This reaction causes irritation to appear.
Urusciolo is also found in the roots and dead parts of poison oak, so be careful even if the plant has been uprooted or has died. If the plant is burned, the substance can also spread by air
Method 2 of 3: Treat Irritation from Poisonous Oak
Step 1. Recognize a poisonous oak rash
Symptoms may vary, but in general the affected area will itch a lot and be extremely red, with red spots. These dots can turn into blisters that produce a clear liquid. The irritation can be streaked, patchy, and its severity varies from mild to very severe based on exposure.
Irritation usually develops 12-48 hours after exposure to the plant
Step 2. Use calamine cream to relieve itching
This over-the-counter ointment is ideal for soothing itching due to irritation from poison oak. Apply it directly to the affected area, covering it entirely. You can repeat the treatment as often as you need.
Step 3. Soak in an oatmeal bath for 30 minutes to relieve itching
You can add oats to bath water to relieve itching and soothe the skin. Pour two cups of raw oatmeal into a sock or nylon stocking. Tie the end of the sock to the tap so that the water passes through it and acquires the soothing properties of oats. After filling the tub, immerse yourself completely or only in the affected area for at least 30 minutes.
- You can repeat the bath as many times as you want.
- You can also use oat-based soaps. Aveeno offers many cleansing products that help relieve irritation.
Step 4. Cover the irritation with cucumber to limit swelling
If the affected area is small, cut a few slices of fresh cucumber and apply it on the irritation. To better cover the area, make a cucumber paste by blending it with a mixer. Spread the cream on your skin or on a thin cotton towel, which you will use as a compress.
- Cucumber helps moisturize the skin and also contains anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce swelling.
- Replace the cucumbers after 1 to 2 hours.
Step 5. Use apple cider vinegar to counteract itching
This remedy can reduce the pH of the skin and consequently the itching. To apply it to the skin, soak a paper food bag in apple cider vinegar, then use the paper as a compress.
Replace the bag when it is no longer effective or when the apple cider vinegar has dried
Step 6. Apply a cold compress to the irritated area to reduce pain and swelling
Soak a soft, clean cotton towel or cloth in cold water. Squeeze out the excess water and apply it to the skin.
Repeat the application whenever you want or when the cloth gets too hot, usually after 15-30 minutes
Step 7. Relieve itching with aloe vera
Apply aloe vera gel to help reduce or limit itching. This natural substance has been used for a long time to promote the healing of skin wounds and for its anti-inflammatory action. Apply the gel directly to the affected area and once it has dried, you can wash it off with warm water.
Reapply the gel whenever you want
Step 8. Try witch hazel to treat itching and blisters
If blisters that produce clear liquids appear in the irritated area, use witch hazel. Soak a cotton ball with this substance and use it to gently scrub the affected area. This remedy helps relieve itching and dry out the liquid that comes out of the blisters.
- You can use witch hazel to relieve itching even if you don't have blisters.
- Repeat the treatment as many times as you want.
Step 9. Use over-the-counter creams to soothe itching and irritation
There are some types of ointments that are helpful for your problem. Try a hydrocortisone or corticosteroid ointment to relieve itching and irritation.
You can also take a tablet antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, to relieve itching. These medications are also helpful if you have trouble sleeping. Make sure you follow the indicated doses. However, do not use antihistamine creams on the affected area, as they may make the irritation worse
Method 3 of 3: When to Seek Medical Care
Step 1. Seek medical attention right away if you have a severe reaction
Although it is very rare, it is possible to develop a severe allergic reaction to poison oak. In that case, you need to be treated by a doctor to heal. Call a doctor if you develop the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Respiratory problems
- Problems swallowing
Step 2. See a doctor if the irritation is large or in a sensitive area
Almost all cases of poison oak irritation do not require medical treatment. However, you may need treatment if the rash is very large or in a sensitive area. This way the irritation will heal faster and you will experience less discomfort.
- An irritation is considered great if it covers more than a quarter of your body.
- Sensitive areas include the face, lips, eyes and genitals.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor if irritation doesn't improve after a week
It is normal for this to last for 1-3 weeks. Very severe cases can last up to 30 days. However, you should notice improvement with home care after a week or 2. If not, consult your doctor.
You may need other treatments to heal, and your doctor can advise you which options to try
Step 4. See your doctor if you develop symptoms of an infection
While not common, irritations from poison oak can become infected. This happens more often if you have scratched yourself. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:
- Fever
- Pus
- Pain in the affected area
- Unpleasant odor coming from the blisters
Step 5. Seek immediate care if you breathe in smoke from a poisonous oak
While you don't need to worry, the smoke from this plant can cause a severe allergic reaction. Once you inhale the smoke, you may have difficulty breathing or a very severe sore throat. To help with your recovery, go to the emergency room.
