Identifying Poison Oak Plants in North Carolina and Treating Exposure Rashes

Poison Oak in North Carolina

Poison oak is a common plant found throughout North Carolina that can cause an itchy, irritating rash in many people. This woody vine is related to poison ivy and poison sumac, all of which contain an oil called urushiol that causes an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin.

Identifying Poison Oak

Poison oak has a shrubby appearance with leaves made up of three leaflets. It can take the form of a vine trailing along the ground or climbing up trees and structures, or an upright woody shrub reaching up to 4 feet tall.

The leaves turn vibrant red and orange in the fall. Tiny gray-white berries sometimes develop on mature plants, especially on upright woody stems. The stems and vines contain fine hairs.

Where Poison Oak Grows

Poison oak thrives along the edge of wooded areas, fields, trails, backyards, and disturbed sites. It grows in both sunny and shady habitats in North Carolina and can adapt to a variety of soil types.

Look for poison oak climbing up trees and posts, sprawling in open brushy areas, and mixed in with blackberry brambles and other shrubby vegetation. It often forms dense thickets, especially in areas that have been recently cleared or burned.

When Poison Oak Causes Reactions

Touching any part of the poison oak plant exposes skin to the toxic urushiol oil, which can stick to skin, clothing, pet fur, gardening tools, tents, backpack straps, balls or toys, etc. The rash usually develops 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

The urushiol oil stays active on virtually any surface for weeks and months after being separated from the plant. Even dead poison oak stems and leaves on the ground retain their ability to cause an allergic rash.

Poison Oak Rash Symptoms

A poison oak rash typically progresses through three stages:

• Redness and swelling
• Blisters leak fluid that crust over
• Itchy rash persists for 2-3 weeks

The rash resembles streaks, lines, or patches of raised bumps and blisters. Often the blisters weep fluid before crusting over. The affected area can remain irritatingly itchy for several weeks.

The rash most commonly occurs on arms, legs, face and other exposed areas of skin. But it can appear anywhere the urushiol oil made contact, including the torso, back, and scalp if the poison oak vine or leaves brushed against covered skin.

Treating a Poison Oak Rash

There is no cure for poison oak exposure, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, especially itching. Key things to do if exposed to poison oak or experiencing a rash:

• Wash skin in cold water immediately to remove oil
• Apply calamine lotion to ease itching and dry out rash
• Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine
• Use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
• Keep skin clean and nails trimmed short to avoid infection

Severe cases may require prescription steroid drugs to control swelling and itching. Seek medical attention if the rash is on the face or sensitive areas, weeping extensively, infected, or symptoms dont improve with over-the-counter meds.

Preventing Poison Oak Rashes

To avoid coming into contact with poison oak:

• Learn how to identify poison oak plants
• Wear long pants and long-sleeves in wooded areas
• Stay on designated hiking trails
• Use protective lotion or soap with bentoquatam before outdoor activities
• Carefully wash gear, clothes, pets that may have oil

For poison oak control around the home, carefully dig up and dispose of plants, roots and all. Never burn poison oak, as inhaling smoke can cause severe reactions. Always wear protective clothing and wash exposed skin if handling poison oak specimens.

Other Plants That Resemble Poison Oak

A few non-poisonous plants get mistaken for poison oak due to similar leaf arrangements andgrowth habits. Learning to correctly identify poison oak is key to avoidance.

Virginia Creeper Vine

Virginia creeper is often confused with poison oak since it climbs trees and structures in a vining habit. But Virginia creeper has five leaflets per stem instead of three. It also lacks the fuzzy stems and white berries of poison oak. Virginia creeper displays outstanding red foliage in fall.

Blackberry Brambles

Trailing blackberry vines look quite similar to poison oak vines straggling along the ground, especially since blackberries often grow intermingled with poison oak. Check leaves for thorns and clusters of three leaflets to avoid misidentification.

Boxelder Trees

Young boxelder tree saplings also have compound leaves with three leaflets that resemble poison oak. But the leaf margins are toothed rather than smooth. Look for sticky buds and eventually opposite branching structure.

Being able to differentiate poison oak from lookalike plants takes practice. Refer to field guides or an expert for help positively identifying poisonous plants to keep your distance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.