Poison Oak Rash Identification

Urushiol is the oil found in poison oak, ivy and sumac that will trigger rash development. Sensitivity to urushiol can develop at any point in life, so precautions always need be taken. Poison oak is found on both coastlines of North America, the southern United States and as far inland as Kansas.

Initial Exposure

• The urushiol begins to soak into your skin within minutes of contact. If you know you were exposed, wash the area prior to the appearance of the rash, and it will be less severe. Symptoms of poison oak dermatitis can show up within hours or they can wait for days.

Indicators

• The first indicator of the outbreak is itching and swelling. Next come multiple tiny bumps followed by blisters. The blisters are filled with lymphatic fluid, not urushiol, and will crust over during the coarse of healing. Throughout the life of the rash, it will be itchy, painful and may swell.

Appearance

• In addition to the red bumps and blisters all over your skin, you may also notice lines of varying lengths and thicknesses. The lines reveal where the plant brushed against your skin.

Treatment

• After you develop the rash, nothing can be done but try to soothe it and prevent infection. Impetigo is a common secondary infection from poison-oak rashes. Calamine lotion takes the edge off, ice packs soothe the pain, and Benadryl can help with the itching.

Duration

• Poison-oak rashes last anywhere from two to five weeks, depending on how much you itch them and whether you were able to wash off any of the urushiol.