Q. How harmful is poison oak when contacted?
Hi doctor,
I disk golf in an area where a decent amount of poison oak is present. I would like to know how fast urushiol binds to skin, and once it does, is there any possibility to spread?
I use an electronic cigarette which requires me to handle cotton that I feed into the atomizer. My doubt is if urushiol vaporizes automatically, what will be the harm?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your query. Poison oak causes allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and is the most common cause of ACD than all the other causes combined. The allergen which causes ACD is usually present within the sap named Urushiol, and it will be mainly present in the leaves and the inner stems of the plant. After contact with any part of the plant, it usually takes 12 - 48 hours for the symptoms to occur. But the resin will bond immediately to the skin on contact. So, you should remove it with a mild soap wash immediately. If within 10 - 15 minutes of contact washing is done, 50% can be removed. But, if it is beyond one hour, washing does not help much.
You can use Bentonite barrier creams which can prevent the bonding of Urushiol to your exposed parts. Once bound to the skin, Urushiol does not vaporize and does not spread to other parts of the body. As it is a local reaction, its intensity depends on the amount of resin contacted.
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
I always have a stuffy nose causing brief dizzy spells. How can I stop it?
Tablet Montair LC (Montelukast and Levocetirizine) HS for five days ... Read full
Is there any permanent solution for wheezing and dust allergy?I am experiencing a tingling feeling when peeing, and also I recognize I have a blister in my private part, it is too much painful and I cant really take it, right now im taking cyfrox, thinking this is UTI, can you help me, I am 30. Read full
I have multiple itchy lesions all over my body. What can they be?I am experiencing a tingling feeling when peeing, and also I recognize I have a blister in my private part, it is too much painful and I cant really take it, right now im taking cyfrox, thinking this is UTI, can you help me, I am 30. Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask an Allergy Specialist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
