Defend against poison ivy's Urushiol oil

We’ve seen more poison ivy rashes this week then I could shake a stick at. This time of year the reactions are worse and the itchy patients never saw it coming. That’s because the poisonous plants have died back and only bare sticks remain. These are potent sticks often covered with lots of Urushiol oil. That’s the oil that causes the nasty rash. This oil is so potent that a quarter-ounce could cause a rash on all the people alive today, or so I’ve heard. The plants can be covered with potent Urushiol oil five years after they are dead.

How can we defend ourselves against such a powerful foe-oil? First of all, try not to get it on you. Second, get it off quickly if you do! Now, we can’t go hiking up on the Santa Rosa Plateau in long pants, long sleeves and a hoodie, but cover up whenever possible. The oil can get on clothes and then spread to the body, so be careful. Water inactivates the Urushiol oil, so wash away. Water is also very effective for skin exposure, a park ranger once told me: lots of cold water and no soap. He was very nice (though stinky!).

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that help remove the oil. I love Zanfel. Put it in your hiking bag; you’ll thank me. After you have removed as much oil as possible, you can keep the itch down with Benadryl, and Calamine. There are plenty of OTC products. If you start having a particularly bad rash, try to get to the doctor sooner rather than later. Medications can be prescribed to lessen the reaction. If you wait four days the damage is usually done, and we treat for infection.

Steven J. Schutz, a Certified Physician’s Assistant, owns Temecula 24-hour Urgent Care. For information, call (951) 308-4451.