Poison Oak in Children

Poison oak is a common plant found in the wooded areas of North America. Many camping trips have are ruined by the rash a child will get after brushing against poison oak. If you plan to go camping, make sure your children can identify poison oak and know what you can do for your child if they experience a reaction.

Identification

Poison oak is a vine that grows as ground cover and on walls and plants. The leaves grow in groups of three on a single stem along the vine. The leaves grow out of the same location on the stem. The leaves have scalloped edges. Most pictures illustrate the poison oak leaf as green. Poison oak leaves change color throughout the year and can be green, yellow, gold or red. Teach your child the adage "leaves of three, let them be." This will help them remember that poison oak has three leaves.

Prevention

Find out if poison oak grows where you intend to hike or camp and dress the children appropriately. If it is hot outside, dress the children in long, lightweight pants. Have the children cover their arms with clothing if they plan on going hiking. Make sure to update your first aid kit to include calamine lotion, dish soap and ziplock bags.

Symptoms

Symptoms of poison oak contact may not appear for two days after exposure. The primary symptom is itching. Itching will be followed by a raised rash at the site of contact and may extend over the body. The rash will consist of small, fluid-filled blisters. Begin treatment as soon as you suspect poison oak contact.

Treatment

The cause of the symptoms is the poisonous urushiol excreted from the poison oak plant. Urushioil irritates human skin and must be washed off. Once you suspect that poison oak is causing the itching, wash the affected area with dish soap. Dish soap is designed to break down oil and grease. According to Humboldt University, urushioil can remain on unwashed clothes for years. If you cannot wash them right away, seal them in a zip-lock bag to ensure that no one else will come into contact. Treat the itching with calamine lotion. If the itching persists, give the child the appropriate dosage of antihistamine.

Recovery

Contact dermatitis caused by contact with urushiol will clear up on its own within three weeks. Use a hair dryer to relieve severe itching. No doctor intervention is required unless blisters begin to form around the child's eyes or genitals.

References

• Children's Hospital Boston
• Humboldt College
• Mayo Clinic

Resources

• Poison Oak Article Palomar College