First Aid Index
People
Cats
Dogs
Search
GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only
iPhone App
Poison Oak
Bookmark and Share

Poison Oak is a plant that secretes an oil on it's leaves, and when contacted with skin causes severe itching and a rash.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Immediately wash everything that might have touched the plant. You may be able to remove the offending oil completely or at least reduce the impending rash if you wash with dish washing detergent/soap like Joy or Palmolive within 15 minutes.
2   Soothe itching with cool, wet compress
3   Add approximately 5 cups of ground oatmeal or baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
4   Add baking soda or Epsom salts to your bath, or make a paste of either of these and apply it to the rash
5   Opt for lotions containing calamine, alcohol and zinc acetate; these will dry the blisters and help speed healing
6   Leave the rash open to air. That will help it heal.
7   Talk to your doctor about taking an oral antihistamine if you are extremely uncomfortable or if the rash is covering a large area of your body.
8   Try to shower 4 times daily using dishwashing soap (to get rid of plant oil) and don't wear the same clothing after showering
9   Wash bed sheets, and all clothing, shoes and especially laces in warm to hot water daily.
10   Disinfect (using alcohol etc) steering wheel, car keys, door handle, keyboard, mouse, chair, light switches etc.
11   Soak in a salt water tub (5lb bag coarse salt) or hot tub OR swim in a chlorinated pool to help dry the skin out for 20-30 min twice per day. (Soak or Swim).
12   Repeat these steps daily until you can switch to healing your skin with essential oils and moisturizers!
Warnings
DO NOT touch other parts of your body especially the face and genitals
DO NOT use a washcloth as you may spread the poison oak oil
DO NOT bandage up your skin too tightly as it needs to breath to heal.
Tips
Use dishwashing detergent (not regular soap) frequently as it will help prevent the spread of the oil
Use deep clean pads for acne (Clearasil) to further help get the plant oil out of your skin.

READ THIS
Suggestions
Poison Ivy
Poison Sumac
 
Company | Legal | Contact Us | Advertise | Tour | Support
|
| |
Copyright 2010 Health & Safety Institute. All Rights Reserved.
GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only