GEAR MERCHANT FAQ's FOR TECLAB PRODUCTS

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FAQ's About Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
What causes poison ivy, oak and sumac rash?
It all boils down to the skin’s reaction to a nasty little oil called urushiol (ooh-roo-she-all). Urushiol is a toxic, resinous type substance that is found in all parts of the poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. When urushiol gets on the skin it binds to the skin within 10-20 minutes. At that point the urushiol becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get off the skin with soap and water. The rash from poison ivy, oak and sumac is the body’s natural reaction to the toxin. Contact with this annoying oil produces a rash in three out of four people. The rash can begin within a few hours after contact, or it can start three to five days later.
Where do poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac plants grow?
Poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac and other members of the Rhus family grow in all portions of the North American continent (except Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii) at elevations below 4,000 feet with a rainfall above eight inches per year.
What does a poison oak or poison ivy rash look like?
The rash starts with itchiness and swelling, followed by a reddish inflammation of tiny pimples. Blisters form and couple in a chain-like reaction, and a clear fluid oozes from the blisters. This fluid then hardens to a yellowish crust. Left untreated, the rash (a typical histamine response) will last three to five weeks.
What can I do to relieve the itching from poison oak or poison ivy?
There is no cure for the poison oak or poison ivy rash once it begins, only relief of the symptoms. Avoid further contact with the plant oil if possible. Be sure to wash the area with Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser or Tecnu Extreme™ Poison Ivy Scrub. Clean your tools, clothing and pets that have been exposed to the poison oak, ivy or sumac with Tecnu to avoid recontamination from the urushiol oil. Minor itching, pain, oozing and swelling caused by poison oak and poison ivy can be relieved with over-the-counter anti-itch treatments such as Tecnu Rash Relief™ spray, Calagel® medicated anti-itch gel or Corticool® 1% hydrocortisone gel. In severe cases, a physician can prescribe antihistamine creams, tablets or shots.
Do the blisters cause the rash to spread?
No, the blisters are the body’s natural allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. If the blisters break and ooze, the fluid does not contain the oil that causes spreading. Oil from the original contact with poison oak and poison ivy will continue spreading (unless removed) for the first 1 or two days. If new areas of rash appear after three days, you are most likely getting re-exposed to the plant oil from contaminated clothing, tools or even your cat or dog.
How long will a poison oak or poison ivy rash last?
Mild cases of poison oak or poison ivy can last five to 12 days. More severe cases can last 30 days or longer.
Can I get the rash from someone else?
Generally speaking, no. Once the rash appears (i.e., within 1-3 days), the original oil has all bonded to the skin, so it can't be spread to others.
Should I break the blisters?
Never break the blisters! An open blister can easily become infected and lead to blood poisoning. If the blisters break, cover loosely with a sterile bandage. In severe cases, contact your doctor.
I've never had the rash before. Can I get it now?
Yes, you can begin getting the rash at any time during your life. Three out of four people are sensitive to poison oak and poison ivy. Sensitivity is just a matter of being exposed enough times until the body has an allergic reaction to the poison oil.
Should I wrap or cover the rash with bandages?
Air is helpful to healing any wound. If you cover the rash with a sterile bandage, cover loosely to allow oxygen to reach the surface of the skin. It is important to keep the rash very clean; changing the sterile bandage frequently reduces the risk of infection. Seek medical attention if the rash becomes red, feverish, or shows other signs of infection.
Are dead poison oak or poison ivy plants safe to touch?
No, the poison oil remains toxic and does not evaporate. All parts of living or dead poison ivy, oak and sumac plants, including the roots, contain the urushiol oil. Be especially careful of dead poison oak and poison ivy vines on firewood and leafless vines in the winter.
Do I need to clean urushiol oil from clothing and tools?
Yes. The urushiol oil from poison oak and poison ivy plants will remain on these articles and can cause a rash months, or even years, later. Removal of the oil with Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser is important to avoid contaminating through secondary contact in the future.
Can I get the rash from my pets?
Yes. Since animals’ fur protects their skin from the urushiol oil, they typically don’t develop a rash. However, the oil will remain on their fur and may contaminate you when you touch them. Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser is safe to use on your pets to remove the oil from their fur.
Is it possible to get a rash by breathing the smoke of burning poison oak or poison ivy plants?
Yes. Urushiol can be carried in the smoke from burning leaves or brush. If you think you have inhaled the oils, see your physician immediately; this can be a very serious condition. In several states it is illegal to burn poisonous plants. Never burn them! Avoid breathing the smoke.
Does bleach remove the urushiol oil or help heal the rash?
No. Bleach may appear to be a quick fix to a poison oak or poison ivy rash. However, bleach removes the top layer(s) of your skin. Using it can irritate your skin and in the process weaken it so that the rash may become worse, or it could lead to an infection. Your skin may then become more sensitive to getting the rash in the future.

PLANT IDENTIFICATION
Poison Oak: The leaves of poison oak are similar to those of an oak tree, and grow in groups of three. It has white/green flowers and berries. Poison oak grows as a shrub and is common on the west coast of North America from Mexico to British Columbia.
Poison Ivy: The plant has shiny leaves, small yellow/green flowers and green/white berries. It grows as a vine, shrub or bush. It is common throughout the United States, except in some parts of the desert southwest, Alaska and Hawaii. The leaves of poison ivy grow in groups of three.
Poison Sumac: The leaves of poison sumac grow in pairs; often 7-13 pairs on a stem with a single leaflet on the top. Poison sumac produces yellow/green flowers and white/green berries. The non-poisonous variety produces red-berries. Poison sumac grows as a shrub or tree and is common in the eastern United States and along the Mississippi River.