Poison Oak

Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is common along the west coast and in the south and southeastern portions of the country. These plants are found along fencerows, in open forests, pastures, and near stream banks. Poison oak can grow as a shrub from 1 to 6 feet tall and, in many shady areas, it can also grow as woody, climbing vines that wrap around trees and larger shrubs. The vine cultivates rootlets on the stems, enabling them to affix to tree trunks and other surfaces.

 

What Does Poison Oak Look Like?

Poison oak can usually be identified by its leaves. In the spring, the leaves of young plants are shiny red, turning to shiny green as they mature. In the fall, poison oak foliage changes from green to orange and red. Poison oak is a deciduous, woody plant that loses its leave in the winter. The leaves of these plants usually grow in groups of three on a shared stalk. Poison oak leaflets are rounded at the tips and alternate on the stem. The leaf surface can be glossy or a bit hairy, usually 1 to 4 inches in length with lobed or toothed edges.

 

In the spring, poison oak yield small clusters of greenish-white flowers. The fruits are formed in the late summer, and are white and green resembling berries.

 

How Can I Prevent Poison Oak?

 

Poison Oak and Urushiol

All parts of poison oak plants, including roots, stalks, stems, leaves, berries and flowers contain the poisonous, oily substance urushiol . This toxin can be contracted from the plant and its parts at any time during the year and can cause painful irritation and blistering of the skin. Reactions to the poison oak oils vary from extreme in some individuals to very minor in others.

 

To cause the dreaded poison oak rash, the oil must contact the skin, either directly by touching the plant, or indirectly by touching contaminated objects like pets, tools, gloves, firewood or clothing. Individuals can also be exposed to the urushiol oils through the burning of the poison oak plants. The burning of the plants emits particles that carry the oil into the air. Coming in contact with the smoke can cause severe cases of poisoning. Persons who suspect they have inhaled this smoke should contact a doctor immediately.

 

The rash is transmitted only through the poisonous plant oils themselves. Broken or oozing blisters will not spread the poison oak urushiol oils because their content is exclusively body fluids.

 

What are the Symptoms of Poison Oak?

How Can I Treat Poison Oak?

 

---