July 1, 2013
Summer is a great time for hiking (provided you incorporate appropriate sun protection measures!) In addition to getting exercise and being in the midst of beautiful scenery, exposure to poison oak is common. Most adults will develop an allergic rash upon exposure to urushiol oil, a resin present in poison oak, ivy, and sumac. The intensity of the rash varies and tends to be more severe with subsequent exposures. The eruption usually develops within days of exposure and commonly spreads beyond the sites of contact due to the body's immune response to the resin. The rash usually appears as red, swollen, linear streaks that have a "painted on" appearance. Fluid filled blisters are common but the contents are not contagious.Avoiding exposure to the plant is achieved by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, and following the advise, "leaves of three, let them be!" If you think you've been exposed, removing the resin by washing with soap and water might prevent the rash from developing. Laundering clothing separately in warm water is also a good idea.Finally, if you develop the rash, OTC hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help mild reactions. For moderate to severe reactions, prescription topical steroids or oral steroids (eg prednisone) are often required.
If you have a skin emergency, such as a severe allergic reaction, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, you can contact our office during business hours.
We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office to verify if we accept your specific plan.
Please bring a valid ID, your insurance card, and a list of any medications you are currently taking. If you have any previous medical records relevant to your skin condition, please bring those as well.
No, a referral is not necessary. You can book an appointment directly with our dermatologists.
Our current hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8:30 AM to 4 PM. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please suggest any new hours if needed.