Poison Oak Side Effects

More than half the population will have a reaction if exposed to poison oak. The more you are exposed to urishol, the oil that causes the reaction, the more likely you are to have a severe reaction in the future.

Types

• There is only one type of poison oak. However, the growing habits make it seem like two separate plants. Grown in sunlight, the plant will stand upright. But when grown in shade, the plant will present more of a vine-like appearance.

Identification

• Poison oak is actually classified as a shrub, although it has the appearance of a vine. Attaching to the host tree with thin, matted air roots, the vine-like stem is covered with green shiny leaves.

Time Frame

• The poison oak symptoms usually occurs within a few hours; however, they may not appear for a as much as a day. Symptoms include a weepy rash, swelling, itching and, often, burning at the contact site.

Misconceptions,

• The saying , leaves of three, let it be, is not always correct. The poison oak plant may have as many as nine leaves in a cluster. The rash is also not contagious; the only way to get the rash is by direst contact with the actual plant.

Prevention/Solution

• You should wear long sleeves and pants to avoid contact with the poison oak plant. Wash any exposed areas with soap and water as soon as possible. Wash clothing and animals as they may have on them urishol, which can transfer to anyone who touches them.

Treatment

• Treatments for a poison oak rash include cold compresses, anti-itch creams and oral antihistamines. For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication such as prednisone.