Can Poison Oak Cause Permanent Skin Damage?

If you've ever gone for a hike in the woods or performed any extensive yard work or land clearing, you have likely encountered a poisonous plant. If you were fortunate, you escaped the encounter without being exposed. Poison oak, poison sumac and poison ivy can be both agonizingly irritating and at times painful; a severe case can even be dangerous. If not treated properly, there is a chance some permanent skin damage can occur.

Toxicodendron Plants

• Poison oak is a member of the Toxicodendron group of plants that also includes poison ivy and poison sumac. These plants contain an oil called urishiol in their roots, leaves and stems that is released when a plant is damaged. Because the plants are fragile, they are easily damaged by even minor disturbances such as wind. This means exposure to the urishiol is often easily accomplished through any contact with the plant.

Urishiol Oil

• Urishiol is a very potent allergen, and the oil can remain active from one to five years after it is released from the plant. It can remain active on clothing long after the garment has contacted the plant. When urishiol contacts the skin it causes an allergic reaction. This reaction usually manifests itself as a rash with welts and blisters. The severity of the reaction varies depending on the amount of exposure and the degree to which the person who was exposed is allergic.

Exposure

• Urishiol rashes are extremely uncomfortable and cause extreme itching that can sometimes be painful. Generally, exposure is not considered to be dangerous, however, if the face is exposed to urishiol or if it is accidentally swallowed, it can cause swelling in critical areas such as the nose or throat, making it difficult to breath. If this occurs, seek medical treatment immediately.

Infection and Skin Damage

• Contrary to popular belief, the rash from urishiol will not spread if it is scratched. It may give the appearance of spreading because new rashes will appear over the course of a couple of days as result of the time and method of exposure to different areas of the skin. The rash itself usually does not cause permanent damage. Permanent damage can, however, occur from persistent scratching. Scratching the rashes continues opening the skin and cause scarring. Additionally, persistent scratching can lead to infections that can be very dangerous and cause deeper scarring and damage.

Avoiding Skin Damage

• To avoid permanent damage, try your best not to scratch the rash. Use a topical analgesic or steroid. For severe cases, visit your doctor who can provide you with an oral or injected steroid that should provide quick relief. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seek further treatment for relief.