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

[Taylor Matheson]

Check out ivy block or stokogard. Their creams that claim to help prevent or at least slow the absorption of the oils. Healthy.net claims a 95% rate of preventing an outbreak. I also hear that if you know youve contacted the plant to rub deodorant on it and that will help keep the oils from spreading. personal I wouldn't use that stick of deodorant for any other purpose though.

On Mar 13, 2013, at 12:05, Melissa Cappetti <melissa.cappetti at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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)
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