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POISON OAK
Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are the single most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States. Each year 10 to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after contact with these poisonous plants. POISON OAK RASHPoison oak grows in the Western United States. Poison oak rash is an allergic contact rash (dermatitis) caused by contact with oil called urushiol. Urushiol is found in the sap of poison oak. It is a colorless, or pale yellow, oil that oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves. After exposure to air, urushiol turns brownish-black, making it easier to spot. Contact with urushiol can occur in three ways:
The rash can affect almost any part of your body, especially where your skin is thin, such as on your face. A rash develops less often on the soles of your feet and palms of yours hands, where the skin is thicker. The rash does not spread, although it may seem to when it breaks out in new areas. This may happen because urushiol absorbs more slowly into skin that is thicker, such as on your forearms, legs and trunk. WHO’S SENSITIVE AND WHO’S NOTSensitivity varies from person to person. Only about 15% of people seem to be resistant though sensitivity tends to decline with age. Some people can develop a severe rash with blisters and extreme swelling on their face, arms and legs. Such severe cases need medical treatment. Learn to identify this toxic plant. It can grow as a shrub or a vine. It is most dangerous in the spring and summer when there is plenty of sap and the plants easily bruise. WHAT TO DO ABOUT POISON OAK
KEEP PETS UNDER CONTROL ON A 6’ LEASH AND AWAY FROM POISON OAK, AS THEY MAY CARRY URUSHIOL HOME ON THEIR FUR. Because urushiol can even travel in the wind if it burns in a fire, do not burn plants that look like poison oak. Barrier skin creams offer some protection before contact with poison oak. These over-the-counter products prevent urushiol from penetrating the skin. TREATMENTIf you think you’ve had a brush with poison oak, follow these simple steps:
In severe cases, prescription cortisone can halt the reaction if used early. If you know you have been exposed and have developed severe reactions in the past, consult your dermatologist. COMMON MYTHS ABOUT POISON OAKScratching blisters will spread the rash. Poison oak rash is ‘catching’ Once allergic, always allergic Dead poison oak plants are no longer toxic Rubbing weeds on the skin can help. One way to protect against poison oak is by keeping yourself covered outdoors. |
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