I encountered poison oak about 12 days ago. Having seen the plant many times I did my best to avoid it and suspect I contracted the rash due to contact with other plants nearby, or spread of the oil onto nearby dirt and rocks by other recent hikers.
At any rate, the rash began to appear within the expected time frame of 48 hours. However, this evening I have had what could best be described as a severe "moving" itch. I swear that no sooner does, say, my arm itch uncontrollably and I put some gel on it, then my back may start the same, then my other hand, then my leg. Any affected area may itch to the point of near agony, only to subside and another area begin the same. Is this a commonly documented effect? I've had poison oak only a few times in my life, and while having had some severe reactions, never anything like this.
I've also read the thread about washing and can only hope I cleaned my own clothes well enough. It was never an issue for me in the past, though this time I can't quite see how I got a reaction on my upper legs other than from my initial showering, which likely spread the oil. To think the washer had not removed enough oil, and spread it to other clothes is rather disturbing. One poster who suggested to burn clothes can't be serious, I mean how much do we read about the dangers of the oil in smoke causing severe lung damage? I would never take the chance to burn anything infected with this plant. |
