[pct-l] Poison Oak/Ivy & Poodle-Dog Bush on the PCT

[Melissa Cappetti]

Hello PCT Friends!  (First time PCT Hiker here)

I was hoping to get some pointers on how bad the Poison Oak/Ivy situation
is along the PCT and I've heard that there is another plant to avoid as
well [Poodle-Dog Bush (Turricula)].  I'm very allergic to Poison Oak and
don't want to learn on the PCT what kind of reaction I could have with the
infamous Poodle-Dog bush either.

10 days ago I did a training hike in Big Sur and the trail was a little
overgrown in spots. As I walked along the trail, plants and sticks were
brushing along my legs and body. I was experimenting with the hiking skort
the PCT ladies had recommended so my legs were bare mid thigh down to my
ankles.

A day or two later I was horrified to see the red itchy welts forming all
over my body (not just my legs).  I had forgotten how bad I reacted to
poison oak.  I did not seek out medical attention until 9 days later (this
past Monday) when it was so bad I couldn't stand it anymore. I am now on
Prednisone, Hydroxyzine HCL, and rubbing hydrocortisone cream on my
lesions.  I'm slowly healing up now but still pretty miserable and my skin
looks terrible.

I can't even imagine having this on the trail... Any pointers you can give
to help me avoid coming in contact with any itch producing plants would be
greatly appreciated.  Common sense tells me to stay on the trail when
possible, avoid 3 leafed plants all together, and be careful where I go
potty and set up camp.

Oh, one more thing...any pointers on how to clean off the Poison Oak oils
off my new ULA backpack would be greatly appreciated.  I'm afraid to touch
it!  I was thinking about putting the backpack in a bathtub of warm water
and using dish washing liquid to remove the oil (while wearing
gloves)...but not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Thank you for your help!
Melissa
(no trail name yet)