Alas, nature does have a way of humbling us as we venture out to experience all her beauty. Most recently, we had an inquiry about Poison Oak which is found in this area. Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac are a year-round hazard. If you make contact, you will likely feel a tingling itch first, then the red rash and blisters will follow. The symptoms can show up a few hours or days after exposure to the plant oil found in the sap of these plants. The rash will occur where the plant oil has touched the skin, surprisingly, poison oak does not spread by scratching. It may seem like the rash is spreading since it can appear over time, not necessarily all at once. As well, it could be that you have the oil under your fingernails and that contributed to the spread. Even blisters that break, do not have the poison oil in them so they will not spread the rash.
The first plan of action if you suspect possible exposure, be sure to shower and scrub all over yourself to clean any poison oil off of your skin. Then wash all your laundry and wipe down any tools or items that you may have touched.
Pacific Poison Oak almost always has leaves of three but may not (just to keep you on your toes). It always grows left then right up the stem of the plant, never side by side and it can be a ground, bush or climbing plant. Poison Oak leaves with a sharply-notched look growing up a thick stalk is the shrub form of the plant. Poison Oak may also grow as a ground vine running across your pathway. The leaves may be notched, round or oak-like-or not. Some may have a red tinge in autumn months or not. This particular plant comes with ever so slight variations making it hard for you to recognize. You may see berries hanging from Oak vine, these are not safe to eat. Pacific Poison Oak and Poison Ivy usually has three leaves, ergo, the saying is "leaves of three, let it be".
Second, do take comfort in knowing that Poison Oak and the other poison plants can't be spread from person to person. However, it is possible that the plant oil could be on your clothing or other objects that may have come in contact with these plants. As mentioned above, it is important to wash your clothes immediately
When working outside or hiking in areas that may have these plants about, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into your hiking boots and don't forget gloves for your hands. If your pet has brushed up against any one of these poison type plants give them a bath while wearing rubber dish washing gloves. Most pets are not sensitive to poison oak but the oil could stick to their hair and when you go to love all up on your best buddy the oil could transfer to your hands.
Wash your skin in soap and cool water as soon as you realize you have made contact. The sooner you wash away the oil the greater chance you have of preventing the spread. Of course, I am going to say "don't scratch the blisters", if you do find the poison has made contact with your skin, I get it, sometimes you don't even realize you are scratching. Just be aware that any bacteria you might have under your fingernails can transfer into the blisters and cause an infection. The rash, blisters and itching normally disappear in a few weeks without treatment.
I made some inquiries with the local pharmacist who was so kind and helpful. He recommended, Calamine Lotion, no surprise there. For the constant itchiness, he recommended Aveeno Bath Treatment with Colloidal Oatmeal and an allergy relief product such as Benadryl or similar generic. I did ask the question, yes, it is okay to put Calamine lotion on your sex organ if you happen to be infected in that area.
If you are suffering more than you can bear with any of these three poisonous plants, then the pharmacist did recommend you might want to see a doctor and get a prescription for prednisone. Oral corticosteroids generally work better than other forms of medicines and they are usually taken until the symptoms are gone.
Now that you are educated on these sly poisonous plants you are properly prepared to take those incredible hikes with amazing views knowing that you are going to be on the look-out and will avoid these plants at all cost.
I hope this information is helpful and doesn't cause you anxiety when you are out in our great outdoors. Mindfulness is key to keeping yourself in a relaxed and engaged state of mind. No need to fret if you happen to make contact, it will be okay, you are well prepared and know exactly what to do to minimize any symptoms from appearing.
So don't hesitate, go on, get outdoors and go camping. Your soul will thank you!
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