Poison Oak

 Poison Oak

   There is an unexpected plant “poison oak” in all hiking trail around San Francisco Bay area.   The plants may cause itching and allergic rashes.  It is better not to touch them.  However, it might be hard to avoid during hiking in the area.   The best way to minimize the risk would be wearing long sleeve shirt and pants.  Then, it is better to wash using a special soap, which can be bought in outdoor stores and drag stores in the area, after the outdoor activities.   Also, it is better not to touch outer wear after hiking where people see poison oak.  It is better to wash after the hiking without touching any other stuff.  

It is beautiful, but .... 

   For me, I have never had a problem with poison oak after outdoor activities.   However, I saw some people, who were doing almost the same thing during the outdoor activities as myself, got really bad allergic rashes.  So it is really depending on person.  Some people could be very sensitive with them.

   There are a few parks where they are cut intentionally to avoid such problem.  A ranger in a state park mentioned, the park is usually cut poison oak to protect visitors.  Except such parks, almost all hiking trails have them.  Especially people take dogs and / or cats to outdoor, they need to pay special attention to them.  Or no matter they touch them or not, it would be better to wash after go home or before getting into a car.   If they touch poison oak and human touch those animals, then human may get allergic rash.  Whenever people wash by themselves or animals, they must use a special soap.  If people use a regular soap, it will get worse such as spreading the rash.

Special soap for poison oak

   If the rash spread your body, it is better to see a doctor as early as possible before getting worse.