Skin Rash From Oak Trees

You went for a walk in the woods and came back with a red, itchy rash. Poison oak greatly resembles oak trees, but carry urushiol, a substance that can cause an itchy red skin rash on contact.

Poison Oak

• While at first glance the leaves of poison oak look like normal oak-tree leaves, poison oak has three separate leaflets and produces small white berries.

Urushiol

• An oily sap, the leaves, stems and roots of poison oak contain urushiol. You can get urushiol merely by brushing poison oak. Once on your skin, the oil is quickly absorbed and results in a rash.

Exposure

• You can get urushiol on your skin by brushing poison oak or even by touching an object that has come in contact with the plant containing urushiol.

Rash

• The rash, or allergic dermatitis, that develops from contact with urushiol turns the skin red and occasionally develops blisters. Most skin rashes only last 5 to 12 days.

Treatment

• Wash anything that has come in contact with urushiol to prevent further reactions. Wash infected skin with lukewarm soap and water. For serious reactions, prescription medication may be needed.