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Contributed by Zanfel
OK, this is not exactly an "official" AR Tip & Trick, but after time-trialing the upcoming NORCAL-AR Pacheco event (3/15/2008) and taking part in the BAAR Brawl this past weekend, it seems like Poison-oak is in no shortage this year. Therefore, I contacted our good friends at Zanfel (the Poison-oak experts) to provide some fast-facts so we can better understand and avoid some three-leaved misery this racing season.
How do I identify Poison-oak?
Three leaflets form the leaves and can grow along the ground, creep like vines, and be in shrub form.
In the Spring... leaves are generally bright green (or bronze when first unfolding). Also, white flowers form in the spring and, if fertilized, develop into greenish- white or tan berries.
In the Summer... the leaves are yellow-green to reddish in color.
In the Fall... the leaves are bright red or pink.
What Makes (Western) Poison-oak Potent?
Western Poison-oak leaves and twigs have a surface oil, urushiol (oo-roo-shee-ohl), which causes an allergic reaction. Around 85% of people have an allergic response.
Only a tiny amount of this chemical -- 1 billionth of a gram -- is enough to cause a nasty rash in many people. Some athletes may boast that they've been exposed to poison oak many times and have never gotten the rash, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're not allergic. Sometimes the allergy doesn't emerge until you've been exposed several times, and some people develop a rash after their very first exposure. It may take up to ten days for the rash to emerge the first time.
#1 Issue for Adventure Racers
Contaminated shoes & shoelaces are the primary transfer point for urushiol - the plant’s toxin. Even though athletes may wash urushiol off clothing by putting it through a cycle in the washing machine, forgetting to completely wash shoes, gaiters and shoelaces will cause recontamination the next time you put on your shoes. Unfortunately, this starts the allergic reaction cycle all over again. The urushiol toxin can remain viable on unwashed clothing for about FIVE years!
Are there areas of CA that are safe from Poison-oak?
Yes. Poison-oak does not grow where precipitation is less than ten inches per year. That keeps the plant out of Southeastern California, and further east. However, there are poison-ivies in the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico. Combined altitude and dryness have kept the Poison Oak out of the Great Basin. For example the High Sierra, California east of the Sierra, Northeastern California and Nevada are typically safe.
Can I prevent Poison-oak? What if I get Poison-oak?
If you're alergic to Poison-oak, you have two options: stay away from it (impossible advice for AR) or try to prevent contamination by pre-applying Ivy Block. Ivy Block is not 100% reliable as you will sweat and it will become less effective. Plus, you are likely to touch or rub against Poison-oak in an unprotected area and not realize it. For example, it will get on your gloves and you'll have to go to adjust your pants for some reason and... well, you get the point.
If you do come in contact with it, try to wash it off right away. If you can prevent the urushiol from bonding with your skin and "activating" you can minimize the misery. Once the rash appears, you'll most likely be very itchy, but try not to scratch. Although breaking the blisters by scratching can't spread the rash, the bacteria under your skin can cause an infection and leave scars. The rash should go away on its own within two weeks. If your reaction is serious, you should consult a doctor as prescription cortisone can halt the reaction if used early. If you receive treatment with a cortisone drug, you should take it longer than six days, or the rash may return.
Over the counter medications like Zanfel, Tecnu, and other products are worth trying as they can relieve many of the symptoms and speed healing.
LEARN MORE
> Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center
> American Association of Dermatology
> Food & Drug Administration Fact Sheet
> Wikipedia
> Zanfel
> Tecnu
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