Poison Oak Symptoms

Poison Oak oils (called urushiol ) cause allergic skin reactions in nearly 85% of people exposed to the plant. Symptoms can begin within a few hours after contact, or can arise between 2 to 5 days later. The rash of poison oak typically occurs between 24 to 48 hours after contact. Each individual may experience symptoms differently; the following are the most frequent symptoms of poison oak:

 

• Rash in the form of blisters (sometimes in a line)
• Blisters can eventually break open, ooze, and then dry or crust over
• Swelling in the area of contact
• Red blotches that can be raised or flat
• Intense itching

 

More intense symptoms that include fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and overall body swelling should be reported to a physician immediately. Sometimes, the symptoms of poison oak may resemble other dermatological conditions. It may be necessary to visit a doctor for diagnosis.

 

Is Poison Oak Contagious?

Generally speaking, the poison oak rash is not contagious. Only urushiol can cause a reaction, once the original oil has bonded to the victim's skin it can't be spread to others. In addition, scratching poison oak blisters will not spread the rash. The blisters are the body's natural allergic reaction to the poison oak plant oils. If the blisters break and ooze, the fluid does not contain the rash-spreading oil. However, scratching an open blister or any wound, for that matter, is not advised as they can easily become infected.

 

Oil from the original contact with the poison oak plant will continue spreading for the first day or two. If new areas of the rash appear after 3 days or so, persons are most likely being re-exposed to the poisonous plant oils from contaminated clothing, tools, or pets.

 

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Symptoms

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