Find out more about poison oak rash
Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and its eastern counterpart poison ivy (T. radicans) are two of the most notoriously painful plants in North America. Poison oak rash is caused when some person comes in contact with the oil called urushiol. More than half the people in the United States are sensitive topoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. If you are sensitive, you can develop an itchy, blistering rash by coming into contact with these plants. Contrary to popular belief, leakage of blister fluid does not spread the rash. It is spread only by additional exposure to the oil, which often lingers on hands, clothing and shoes (which are often overlooked as carriers), or tools. If you have swelling of the face and throat or difficulty breathing, feel dizzy or faint, or lose consciousness, you may be having an anaphylactic reaction.
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