Poison oak is one of the most common allergens in the world, and it is considered to be a form of contact dermatitis. The active ingredient in poison oak and in poison ivy is called urushiol oil. Urushiol oil is extremely potent; only 1/4 ounce of the oil could cause a rash on every person in the entire world. Urushiol oil can stay active for up to 5 years on any surface, even dead plants.
Symptoms of Poison Oak
The symptoms of poison oak can vary from person to person, but the symptoms are usually contained to the area that was exposed to the poison oak. Many of the more common symptoms include a red rash or bumps accompanied by mild to severe itching. Additional symptoms include red, dry patches similar in appearance to a burn, pain and a tender feeling in the area. In severe cases, individuals may develop blisters or have fluids drain from the affected area.
Remedies for Poison Oak
Before beginning any remedies, it is vital to preventing the further spread of poison oak that all contaminated clothes are throw into the wash and washed immediately, twice if possible. Avoid the using hot water to wash it, as that will only further penetrate the oil into the clothes.
One of the easiest home remedies includes using oatmeal. You should make the oatmeal as per the indicated directions. Allow the oatmeal to cool down to lukewarm before applying to the affected areas. If, in the event your entire body has become infected, you can fill your bathtub with warm water and put in a large container of oatmeal and then soak. Do not towel dry afterwards but allow yourself to air dry. The oatmeal bath will create a powdery covering that will help relieve the itching.
Vitamin C can also be beneficial due to it's detoxifying and antihistamine factors. You can dissolve a tablet of vitamin C in warm water and then use the water to wash the affected area. If you do not have vitamin C tablets handy, you can also use the juice of a fresh lemon or fresh orange. (Reference 3)
Other common remedies include calamine lotion, buttermilk, cornstarch or a cornstarch paste, baking soda, witch hazel, aloe, a solution of warm salt water, tea tree oil, or tofu. (Reference 3) All of these can be applied directly to the skin to relieve itching.
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