Introduction:

Sure, getting a case of poison oak sucks big time, but don't let that get you down.  You can rest well knowing that most other geocachers have gotten a case of this nasy rash at one time or another in their adventures.  What most geocachers don't know is that you don't have to sit there and suffer though a poison oak rash like you did back in the old days when it was manly to get a rash that made you itch like mad.

As a geocacher, Tecnu is your best friend.  You should have some at home, some in the car, and a travel packet with you when you are in the backcountry.  It's that simple.  Follow the directions and you'll be glad that you shelled out the greenbacks for this stuff.  It may smell like cat piss, but you'll be a whole lot more comfortable during the course of the next month than if you hadn't used it.  For relief of itching and and such make sure to check out CalaGel (made by the same people as Tecnu).  CalaGel is similar to the typical Benadryl or Calamine Lotion that people used in the past, but is specially formulated to deal with your poison oak woes.  And it's a gel so you don't have to look like you rubbed calamine lotion all over your body.  CalaGel does tend to sting a bit the first few times that you use it, but this is normal, especially if you have a light to moderate case (I'm not sure about a serious case since I've never had a really bad contamination).

For the most part, just make sure that you use common sense.  When you get home, change out of clothes and immediately take a shower.  If you are itching at all or believe that a part of your body may have come into contact with poison oak, then make sure to wash with Tecnu as soon as possible (be sure to follow the directions to avoid spreading the oils).

For more information on Tec Labs' Oak-n-Ivy Brand products "Tecnu" and "CalaGel" website, visit their website or your local drug store.  Longs Drugs, CVS, and Rite Aid are known to often have Tecnu in stock.  If they don't have it, then ask them since they may be able to order it for you.

And now for the serious information...

This document is provided to the students and faculty of the University of California at Santa Cruz as an informational hand-out to assist in educating the community about poison oak and all of the fun stuff that goes along with it.  They are smart people, so give it a read.

POISON OAK

Poison Oak (Toxiconfrendon diversilobum) is neither an oak, nor poisonous.  Due to the large number of people who were allergic to it, it was thought to be poisonous.  The plant can grow almost anywhere along the West Coast and can be difficult to identify due to its various forms (shrub, vine, or ground cover), and its changeable seasonal appearance.  The old adage, "with leaves of three, let it be" can be helpful, as the shiny oak shaped leaves grow in clusters of three.  Green in spring, red in fall, and leafless in winter, the plant can transmit its oil, urishol , in any season.  Indirect contact, through pets, clothes, tools, and furniture, can also spread the oil.  Forest fires and camp fires containing branches of poison oak plants can cause rashes and respiratory reasctions.

Reactions can last for weeks.

Wheezing, shortness of breath or severely swollen eyes require immediate medical attention.

HOW CONTAGIOUS IS IT?

Contact with urishol is the only way to spread poison oak.  If you have washed yourself and your clothes, tools, and pets thoroughly after exposure, no further spreading of the oil can take place.  Many people will notice, however, that the rash involves new areas of the skin as the days wear on.  This is beacuse skin areas that are less heavily exposed or less sensitive will continue to break out.  The fluid from blistering is sterile fluid and does not contain any urishol, so it cannot spread the rash.  occasionally re-exposure from contaminated tools or clothes can cause new outbreaks.

PREVENTION

Avoiding contact with poison oak is the best prevention.  Learn about the plant's appearance and steer clear of it.  Stay on the trails in the forest (do not "bushwhack" your way through).  Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes with socks.  There are barrier creams that can be applied to the skin before exposure, and special cleaners to wash with (e.g. Tecnu products) after exposure.  Prompt removal of oils from the skin is essential.  Soap and water can be effective, and alcohol wipes can be carried in a pocket or day pack.  Since the oil can be active for 30 days, tools, pets, clothes, and furniture must be properly cleaned to prevent further spread of the oil.

TREATMENT

In the early stages of a reaction, cool, wet compresses and ibuprofen help reduce swelling.  Itching can be relieved by oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride--generic), that are available without a perscription.  Hydrocortisone creams are also available over the counter, though stronger prescription products may be necessary.

Do not open blistered skin.  If blisters open, try to keep them clean and dry to avoid infection from bacterial contamination.  Burow's solution (available over the counter) can be soothing and helps dry up secretions.  With a widespread reaction, a bath with colloidal oatmeal (available in drug stores) can be very soothing.  In cases where much of the body is involved, or if facial swelling occurs, doctors often prescribe an oral cortisone.  As these medications have the potential for serious complications, they are to be avoided unles necessary.  Difficulty in breathing may be treated with systemic cortisone and a medical inhaler.  If you are uncertain as to the severity of your case, we advise a medical consultation.

UCSC: Cowell Student Health Center - HC:255 (8/99)
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