[pct-l] Poison oak

[Tortoise]

NO ONE is IMMUNE to poison-oak for its relatives. Rather there are some 
people who have not become sensitized to the urushiol oil which is the 
allegern.  Some people may never become sensitized. Most people with 
though thru repeated exposure. Typically the time one becomes sensitized 
there is no apparent reaction. However with the next exposure, watch out.

I thought I was "immune" for years. Then bamo! Since then I've had some 
really bad exposures requiring medical attention. I'm a lot more careful 
now and I have a prescription cream to allay the reaction.

So be careful and don't push your luck.

Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



Susan Alcorn wrote:
> I do get poison oak occasionally, but I never have gotten it on the PCT. It is there, but if you know what it looks like, it is generally pretty easily avoided. When we were going through the northern California areas where I thought we might have a problem, I decided I needed some Calamine lotion. The only container I could find at whatever mini-mart we were near was an 8-ounce bottle of the stuff--so much for lightweight backpacking! I think it was finally at Crater Lake that I left it behind in the Hiker Box--unopened.
>
> The few times I've thought I might have bumped into poison oak, I have rubbed the spot with a bit of dirt, figuring the abrasive action would help. Not sure I should recommend this (certainly not on an open area), but it might have worked for me. I think I've heard in times past that the Native Americans would rub themselves with mud as a protection, but I'd have to double-check on that. Some people, of course, have a natural immunity to the stuff. 
>
> Susan Alcorn, "Backpack45"
>
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