What Is the Difference Between Poison Oak & Chickenpox?

Chickenpox and poison oak have similar appearances. Whereas poison oak affects only the skin, chickenpox also causes other illness symptoms. Consult a physician if you are unsure about the cause and severity of a rash.

Time Frame

• Chickenpox has an incubation period of 10 to 21 days. A chickenpox outbreak lasts about 5 to 10 days. A reaction to poison oak usually shows up about 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the plant, but in some cases it may not show up for a week.

Chickenpox Features

• Chickenpox usually starts out as an itchy rash on the face, scalp or trunk. It can later spread over much of the body. At first, red bumps will be present, but soon after the bumps will turn into blisters that will eventually crust over. Other possible symptoms of chickenpox include fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, runny nose and cough.

Poison Oak Features

• Poison oak, along with poison sumac and poison ivy, causes swollen patches of red skin that usually show up on the face, arms and legs. At first, the rash may have a streaky appearance. The rash will turn into blisters that will crust over in time.

Treatment

• A vaccination is available to protect children against the virus that causes chickenpox. Treatment of chickenpox involves giving the patient frequent cool baths with oatmeal or baking soda to alleviate itching. Also, calamine lotion can be used to alleviate itching. Use Tylenol or Motrin to treat fever. A poison oak rash can be treated with an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, and anti-itch creams.

Warnings

• Although chickenpox is usually not dangerous, it can lead to serious complications. Contact a doctor if the rash gets into the eyes, if the skin appears infected, or if fever persists after the first few days. A poison oak rash can also become infected, so medical attention may be needed if the skin appears particularly red and inflamed. Medical attention is also needed if the rash is on the genital area or if it lasts longer than 2 weeks.