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Poison Oak Home Remedies
Poison oak is one (or rather two - there are two types of poison oak - western poison oak and Atlantic poison oak) of many plants that produces urushiol, an oil that can cause a very strong allergic reaction in people. The rash that is produced is known as urushiol induced contact dermatitis, which involves itching, redness, and swelling, and in more severe cases, a strong burning sensation and blisters that ooze.
Among the main things that you need to do if you have come into contact with poison oak is to get the urushiol oil off your body and clothes.
You need to wash your clothes thoroughly and bathe your entire body with soap and water. If done soon enough after exposure, this can substantially reduce the severity of the reaction. In many cases however, people don't realize that they have touched poison oak till the reaction begins, which can take up to 24 hours.
Once the reaction has set in however, you can only soothe it till it ends on its own. Ice is the most effective - you can keep a good old ice pack on hand through the day, and apply it to your skin as often as you like. It is particularly important not to scratch the affected areas as this can worsen the rash and also break the skin, causing a secondary infection.
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