Medication for Poison Oak

Poison oak excretes a substance called urushiol oil, which most people are allergic to. When it brushes against the skin, it creates terrible itching, swelling and a red rash that takes several days to subside. A number of medications can treat symptoms when you come in contact with poison oak.

Tecnu

• Tecnu is a medication designed to get the urushiol oil off before it has a chance to work. Apply it to your skin as soon as possible after brushing against poison oak. This brand-name medication is used in first aid kits by firefighters and forestry officials in the Western United States.

Antihistamines

• Because poison oak causes an allergic reaction, you can treat it with antihistamines the way you would other allergies.

Corticosteriods

• In serious cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids--chemical versions of hormones found naturally in your body--to treat the itching and rash. You may receive this in pill form (such as prednisone), apply it topically (such as with hydrocortisone), or take shots (such as triamcinolone diacetate). All varieties are available either at the doctor's office or in pharmacies, provided you have a prescription.

Colloidal Oatmeal

• You can purchase colloidal oatmeal without a prescription in any drug store or nutrition store. Mix it with lukewarm bathwater to form a soothing soak.

Calamine Lotion

• You can apply either calamine lotion or any lotion with menthol directly to the skin to treat poison oak.