Poison Oak Dermatitis

Poison Oak Dermatitis

Poison oak dermatitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the skin. It is caused by a chemical that is on the leaves of the poison oak plant. You may also have itching, a rash, and blisters. Symptoms often clear up in 1–2 weeks.

You may get this condition by touching a poison oak plant. You can also get it by touching something that has the chemical on it. This may include animals or objects that have come in contact with the plant.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

  • Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • If you touch poison oak, wash your skin with soap and cold water right away.
  • Use hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotion as needed to help with itching.
  • Take oatmeal baths as needed. Use colloidal oatmeal. You can get this at a pharmacy or grocery store. Follow the instructions on the package.
  • Do not scratch or rub your skin.
  • While you have the rash, wash your clothes right after you wear them.

Prevention

  • Know what poison oak looks like so you can avoid it. This plant has three leaves with flowering branches on a single stem. The leaves are fuzzy. They have a toothlike edge.
  • If you have touched poison oak, wash with soap and water right away. Be sure to wash under your fingernails.
  • When hiking or camping, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, tall socks, and hiking boots. You can also use a lotion on your skin that helps to prevent contact with the chemical on the plant.
  • If you think that your clothes or outdoor gear came in contact with poison oak, rinse them off with a garden hose before you bring them inside your house.

Contact a doctor if:

  • You have open sores in the rash area.
  • You have more redness, swelling, or pain in the affected area.
  • You have redness that spreads beyond the rash area.
  • You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from the affected area.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have a rash over a large area of your body.
  • You have a rash on your eyes, mouth, or genitals.
  • Your rash does not improve after a few days.

Get help right away if:

  • Your face swells or your eyes swell shut.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have trouble swallowing.
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