Poison oak lurks everywhere this time of year: Outsmarting it is easy says the California Poison Control System

Warmer weather encourages more outdoor activity, increasing the odds that you’ll encounter poison oak says California Poison Control System.

The itchy rash and blisters that can happen when you are exposed to poison oak is due to an oily sap the plant secretes.

Called urushiol (pronounced yoo-Roo-shee-all), the sticky invisible sap is found on the plant’s stems and leaves. You can be exposed to the plant’s oil even without ever coming into contact with the plant — simply by touching the oil that has gotten on clothes, shoes, pets, tools and any number of other things. Smoke from from burning plants can be a particular hazard as it can cause internal problems.

“Even if you don’t have a reaction the first time, or the next couple of times you’re exposed, you may find that repeated exposure over time increases sensitivity,” said Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “Although you will have several days or even weeks of unpleasantness after exposure, most people can safely treat poison oak home. But, if you have a severe reaction, such as trouble breathing or have inhaled smoke from burning poison oak, you should go to the emergency room right away.”

Learn what poison oak looks like
Found throughout California, poison oak grows from sea level to the mountains. Grassy hillsides, forests, recreation areas and coastal locations are all places it calls home.

The plant sports a distinctive fuzzy “leaves-of-three” pattern with rounded tips. It has a vine-like appearance and can grow into a dense, leafy shrub ranging from one to six feet high.

Treating poison oak rash
• Try not to scratch.
• Gently wash itchy and affected areas with lukewarm water right away. Dry with disposable towels if possible.
• Apply rubbing alcohol or over-the-counter skin cleanser to wash away the oil.
• Apply over-the-counter steroid cream to treat dermatitis (skin inflammation).
• Apply calamine lotion to help stop the itching.

When to seek medical attention
• If the rash covers much of your body.
• If you have many blisters or swelling–especially on your eyelids, face, or genitals.
• If you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

Click here for more information about poison oak and how to prevent exposure.

About CPCS
Call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. Sign up for The California Poison Safety Post, California Poison Control System’s quarterly electronic newsletter, by visiting calpoison.org/newsletters. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.