Trindel Insurance Fund Poison Oak Prevention & Survival

Identification Three leaf cluster Three leaf cluster Oak like in appearance Oak like in appearance Bush or Vines Bush or Vines Up to 30 ft in height Up to 30 ft in height In winter only vine and stem Clusters of white berries

Causes Allergic Reaction The culprit is urushiol ( oo-roo-shee-ohl ) oil The culprit is urushiol ( oo-roo-shee-ohl ) oil Found in the stem and leaf. Found in the stem and leaf. Plant must be damaged to release Plant must be damaged to release Poison oak is a delicate plant Poison oak is a delicate plant Oil is released even from insect chewing Oil is released even from insect chewing

Urushiol Oil: Evil and Persistent ¼ Ounce could cause a rash on every person on earth ¼ Ounce could cause a rash on every person on earth 500 people could itch from an amount the size of head of a pin 500 people could itch from an amount the size of head of a pin Urushiol oil several centuries old has caused rashes Urushiol oil several centuries old has caused rashes

How Do You Get It? Sensitivity varies Sensitivity varies Contact with the oil from a damaged plant Contact with the oil from a damaged plant Oil is transferred to clothing, tools, pets, etc. Oil is transferred to clothing, tools, pets, etc. Rash only occurs where oil touches the skin. Rash only occurs where oil touches the skin. Remember it is persistent Remember it is persistent Allergic reaction within hours Allergic reaction within hours

Prevention! Avoid contact Avoid contact Wear long pants, sleeves, socks and gloves Wear long pants, sleeves, socks and gloves Wear eye protection Wear eye protection Rinse exposed areas in cool water before washing with soap. Rinse exposed areas in cool water before washing with soap. Blocking lotions on exposed skin Blocking lotions on exposed skin

Prevention Tips Cover exposed skin Cover exposed skin Keep hands away from face while working Keep hands away from face while working Wash hands before going to the bathroom Wash hands before going to the bathroom Clean tools and equipment thoroughly before removing gloves and clothing Clean tools and equipment thoroughly before removing gloves and clothing Wash clothing Wash clothing Tyvek or disposal coveralls best Tyvek or disposal coveralls best

So You’ve been exposed? Immediately: Immediately: Wash exposed skin with cool water Wash exposed skin with cool water Use post contact wipes Use post contact wipes Remember: Everywhere your hands touch could track the oil. Remember: Everywhere your hands touch could track the oil.

A picture is worth a thousand scratches.

So now you’ve got it! Only the urushiol oil causes the rash Only the urushiol oil causes the rash Once the oil is gone it will not spread Once the oil is gone it will not spread Dry up the blisters and rash Dry up the blisters and rash Calamine Lotion Calamine Lotion Do not scratch or break blisters. Do not scratch or break blisters. Infection is a real danger Infection is a real danger

Controlling the Itch Again Calamine lotion until oozing stops Again Calamine lotion until oozing stops Other drying agents – Zinc Oxide, Witch Hazel, Baking Soda Other drying agents – Zinc Oxide, Witch Hazel, Baking Soda Cool bath or showers Cool bath or showers Oral antihistamines can help itching Oral antihistamines can help itching

Signs of an Emergency Swelling and difficulty breathing 12 – 24 hours after exposure Swelling and difficulty breathing 12 – 24 hours after exposure Swelling and blisters of the eye Swelling and blisters of the eye You have been exposed to the smoke of burning poison ivy, poison oak. You have been exposed to the smoke of burning poison ivy, poison oak. The rash covers more than one quarter of your body. The rash covers more than one quarter of your body. The rash occurs on your face, lips, eyes, or genitals. The rash occurs on your face, lips, eyes, or genitals. The initial treatment does not relieve the symptoms. The initial treatment does not relieve the symptoms. You develop a fever and/or the rash shows signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, pus or yellow fluid oozing from the blisters, and an odor coming from the blisters. You develop a fever and/or the rash shows signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, pus or yellow fluid oozing from the blisters, and an odor coming from the blisters.