Poison oak is the result of the oil within the plant called urushiol, this is a toxic substance that is located within every part of the poison oak. When it comes in contact with the skin it will bind within about twenty minutes. It is after this time, it is virtually impossible to rid the skin of this substance using basic water and soap. A rash occurs when the body reacts to the urushiol. The rash is so common, that every three in four people will experience the rash within hours or up to five days after contact with the toxin.
How do I know when I have gotten Poison Oak?
You will notice a rash that begins with swelling and itchiness. It is then followed with small pimples signifying inflammation. Blisters develop and couple together, then oozes clear fluids. If ignored, the rash as a result of Poison Oak, can last up to five long weeks.
So, what are the poison oak treatment methods available to me?
Well the first course of treatment should be washing the skin immediately if you are exposed to poison oak. If you can, before it binds, wash the skin with soap and water. Furthermore, all tools and clothing should be washed as well. The reason for this is failure to rid the items of the toxin could result in later contact and create another poison oak reaction. The toxin can remain on the items for even years after the initial contact.
There is no cure for poison oak; all you can really do is treat the symptoms such as the rash and itchiness.
Another poison oak treatment is to prevent exposure to it, if at all possible. The best way to prevent poison oak is to know what it looks like so you can avoid it if necessary. The poison oak has leaves very similar to that of an oak tree. It has groups of three leaves with green or white berries and flowers.
Other methods of poison oak treatment includes over the counter medicines used to relieve the sufferer from symptoms such as itchiness. There are many over the counter remedies available on the market such as Tecnu Rash Relief, Tecnu Extreme, Tecnu, Corticool, Calagel, and IvyStat. There are in home treatments like using rubbing alcohol immediately to prevent the rash from occurring.
While many children get poison oak on a regular basis, it is still important to seek poison oak treatment advice from you doctor, who may be able to recommend a method that will work better than some others will. Furthermore, educate yourself and your family about what poison oak looks like, how to detect it, and how to avoid getting the rash. Remember it is possible to get poison oaks from your pet, but typically, it is not readily contracted from human to human. One last piece of advice is to avoid even those poison oak plants that are dead, the toxins do not die with the plant and never breathe the smoke of any poisonous plant that is burning.
For more informative articles by Melody Franks go to Staying Healthy and also Being Healthy. |
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