[pct-l] Poison Oak Recovery

[Hernandez]

Good points, Veg! It's possible to scratch that itchy scaly skin until 
it bleeds, too. When I make that mistake, I clean the scrapes with soap 
and water or alcohol and apply my cream afterward. I should have spelled 
that out.

Moonbeam

On 3/26/2014 8:56 PM, Vimal Golding wrote:
> Marion,
> Poison oak rash is an allergic reaction to poison oak oils. During the
> reaction phase, when it is swollen, itchy or even oozy and blistery you
> don't want to use any lotions on it, especially oil/wax based lotions that
> may lock in bacteria. I've had oozy poison oak lead to infection before, so
> this is what you are trying to avoid. Wash frequently with just water or
> herbal soaps (jewel weed, grindelia, oatmeal, etc). Another thing that
> works well is finding some plantain (a small, common wild plant, not the
> banana relative) and mashing the leaves up into a poultice, very soothing.
>
> After the allergic reaction subsides (1-3 weeks, depending on severity) you
> are left with damaged, dry skin that itches not because it is a poison oak
> rash, but because that is what damaged skin feels like when it is healing.
> Doctors don't always seem to recognize this second stage, but it is a
> distinct problem with distinct treatments. At this stage (no oozing, dry
> and maybe scabby) you should start breaking out the moisturizers. You can
> use what you like, but I have excellent success with aloe (health food
> stores sell 100% aloe that you are supposed to drink, I use it topically),
> and herbal skin salves.
>
> Like you said, I'm an expert-from-experience. Sounds like you will be soon
> too!
>
> Veg
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