Hi,

I went hiking Friday night with a close, intimate friend and he contracted severe poison oak about a day later. I didn't get any poison oak from this, but I was wearing jeans and long-sleeves. He had shorts and short-sleeves on. So while I most likely did not develop it from the plant, I would like to prevent it from the clothes, jackets, and blanket that were all exposed. I keep finding information on the internet saying to wash them, but conflicting information on washing them. Should they be washed with cold, warm, or hot water? Do they need to be washed once or several times? Should they be dryed in the dryer or hung out to dry? (Some places say hung out to dry for several day.) How can I get things especially the blanket, which is bigger than me into the washer without exposing myself to it or exposing myself to it further? Some places say it can take up to 7-10 days for some people to break out in poison oak. My skin tends to have delayed reactions to irritants. Is that true? Am I not actually in the clear for it? And is there anything I can do at this point to prevent it?

Well, it is ture that it will take about 7-10 days, but you sound like you were well protected.

Put on long sleeves and rubber gloves, put the blanket in a trash bag, go to the laundrymat and wash in the large load washers. Wash in hot water and hang in the sun to dry. Do the same with your clothes.

Unfortunately there is nothing that I know of to prevent it. But it really is easy to clear up. A steroid shot will do wonders.

I would put Calamine lotion on the part that got infected. Whatever you do, do not touch it with your bare hands because if you touch it, you can get it too. Always wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and gloves wherever you expect poison oak.

Hope this helps...
Emily