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Is poison oak contagoius

Updated: 10/8/2023
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13y ago

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Not directly.

The substance causing irritation from poison oak is urishiol. Urushiol binds to the skin on contact, where it causes severe itching that develops into reddish colored inflammation or non-colored bumps, and then blistering. These lesions may be treated with Calamine lotion, Burow's solution compresses or baths to relieve discomfort,[9] though recent studies have shown some of these traditional medicines to be ineffective. Antihistamines, bentoquatam and other antipruritics are now recommended by dermatologists as more effective in the treatment of poison ivy and poison oak and prevention of its effects. In severe cases, clear fluids ooze from open blistered sores and corticosteroids are the necessary treatment.

The oozing fluids released by itching blisters do not spread the poison. The appearance of a spreading rash indicates that some areas received more of the poison and reacted sooner than other areas or that contamination is still occurring from contact with objects to which the original poison was spread. The blisters and oozing result from blood vessels that develop gaps and leak fluid through the skin; if the skin is cooled, the vessels constrict and leak less. If poison ivy or poison oak is burned and the smoke then inhaled, this rash will appear on the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and possibly fatal respiratory difficulty. If poison ivy is eaten, the digestive tract, airway, kidneys or other organs can be damaged. A poison ivy/oak rash can last anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on severity and treatment. In rare cases, poison ivy reactions may require hospitalization.

Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin.[20][21] Clothing, tools, and other objects that have been exposed to the oil should be washed to prevent further transmission.

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How much leaves does poison oak have?

poison oak has five leaves....i think


Does poison oak grow from a nut?

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What is the scientific name for poison oak?

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Does burning dead poison oak in wood stove put off a poison gas?

Burning poison oak (or poison ivy or poison sumac) can release the urushiol, which is the oily substance in poison oak that many (but not all) people have strong reactions to. Worse, the urushiol will be carried in the smoke from the fire, and it will get into the lungs of anyone who breathes in the smoke. If you think that having poison oak on your arms and legs is bad, just imagine having that poison oak reaction on the inside of your lungs.Bottom line: do not ever burn poison oak.


Which is worse poison ivy poison oak or poison sumac?

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What is the medical condition caused by poison ivy and poison oak?

Poison ivy and poison oak are plants that cause an allergic skin reaction in most people who are exposed to them.


What is the chemical in poison ivy poison oak and poison sumac called?

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