Poison Oak

Damn I feel for you guys! I have never gotten a rash from poison ivy or oak, I believe it is from all the caspium from the hot pepper I eat!    I used to take dares from my buddies to rub it on me and never once got it. I won't do that anymoore but (knock on wood) I still have never have ever found it to be an issue. It is so out of my mind that I hardly even look for it except when I have my boys( not sure if they have the same genes or not yet). Well good luck fellas!

all the trails down to the rocks from scenic turn outs,on highway one from carmel to andrew molera ,have bare twigs poking out about calf high right now..like minefield the other day when I went to the water down a path...the trail to andrew molera campground
 is a wall of ruby red leaves most months ..little vines head high sticking out onto the paths...no bueno 

I believe I have gotten some PO in the last 5 years, but just a small patch on the arm or leg.  But growing up in the mountains I had lots of PO rashes after running through the woods. Then it all stopped, and I thought I had an immunity too.  For several years I never got it. The last time I can recall having it bad must have been in Middle school, and I only remember that because the family jewels were affected.    When out in the forest now, or following a path to the ocean, I look very cautiously and avoid pretty much everything.  Seems to be working, as I cant really remember getting it anytime recently... 

Eating it???  Must be a joke...

I was inspired to write an article about this. I included ref from WebMD and from Tecnu's website. Take a look and tell me what you guys think. I want to make sure I get REALLY good info out there on this.

http://itsbangtime.com/poison-oak/

all the trails down to the rocks from scenic turn outs,on highway one from carmel to andrew molera ,have bare twigs poking out about calf high right now..like minefield the other day when I went to the water down a path...the trail to andrew molera campground
 is a wall of ruby red leaves most months ..little vines head high sticking out onto the paths...no bueno 

Totally!  In SC the beaches over by Davenport and on up the SMC that we frequent (less known and less crowded ones) have skinny trails to the water, with bushes of PO that have no leaves during the winter months.  I just try and avoid touching anything at all, period! 

I just try and avoid touching anything at all, period! 

a very good practice for EVERYWHERE you go........public restrooms........restraunts.....ect. 

I have been getting hit by poison oak since a child and my sensitivity to it increased over the years. As an adult I usually got it from my Belgian sheepdogs who would pick it up on their fur from the plants on my property and transfer it to me. Bathing them actually increased the chance for getting poison oak from them and I learned to use luke warm water.

A Santa Cruz doctor proscribed Diprolene cream that is very expensive but a 1 oz. tube will last me for years. It is a super strong topical corticosteroid but much safer than prednisone taken internally as the cream is applied to the skin and only affects that part of your body. With me once the poison oak starts at one spot my body overreacts and the inflamed areas increase quickly. With the Diprolene the initial point of contact is contained and within 2-3 days my skin is fine.

I have had doctors warn against the Diprolene as it was so strong but I use a tiny amount and the only time it causes problems is when an once or more is applied on a daily basis in a hospital setting. Prednisone which is very popular with doctors is a sledge hammer approach that trashes your entire immune system.

If I have been around poison oak I carefully clean my boots and my pants and shirt get washed with a special cleaning solution made by  Tecnu that is designed to remove the poison oak oil from skin or clothing. I use warm water for the clothes washing and the coldest water I can stand for my own shower. A hot shower opens up the pores and greatly increases the chance for problems. Over the years contaminated boots or shoes were the most common source for re-contamination days, weeks. or even months later.