How to Stop Poison Oak

Poison oak plants exist primarily in the South East and West coast regions of the United States. The sap oil of poison oak, known as urushiol, is harmful to humans causing an allergic reaction in the form of hives, rashes and welts. The plant should be avoided as it is toxic whether it's rooted in the ground or burned in a pile of leaves. Depending on individual sensitivity, blisters and welts from poison oak may appear within minutes of contact. Containing a poison oak rash is not difficult but does require immediate action.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent
• Fingernail brush
• Rubbing Alcohol or degreasing dish soap
• Oatmeal
• Calamine lotion
• Cotton swab or gauze pad
• Chlorinated bleach (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove all clothing and accessories that have been exposed to the poison oak. Place all of the items into the washing machine and wash with detergent and hot water. Urushiol oil can remain on clothing for long periods of time so it is important to prevent contact between your contaminated clothing and another person's skin or clothing.

• 2

  Wash the contaminated skin area with degreasing dish soap, rubbing alcohol or laundry detergent within 30 minutes of contact. Clean underneath your fingernails with a nail brush. Rinse your hands and the contaminated skin area thoroughly. Repeat this step one time.

• 3

  Bathe in oatmeal to alleviate the itching. Pour two cups of uncooked oatmeal in a tub of lukewarm water. Soak in the tub for a minimum of 20 minutes. Pat your body dry.

• 4

  Apply a quarter-sized amount of calamine lotion to the contaminated area with a cotton swab or gauze pad. Allow the lotion to dry. A pastel pink-colored film will remain on your skin; however, do not wash it off until your next bath or shower. If you continue to experience itching, apply more calamine lotion as needed.

• 5

  Wipe down contaminated tools and machinery with diluted chlorine bleach or rubbing alcohol to remove any residual plant oil. Even aged, dried urushiol oil is hazardous to humans and animals.