What is the conventional treatment of poison oak?
Treatment consists mostly of protecting the damaged skin, preventing infection and relieving the itching. Over-the-counter medications may be used to treat poison oak. Store-brand or generic versions of these medications also work and are usually available. If the case of poison oak is severe, you should see a physician for more extensive treatment with stronger steroid medications. Avoid the use of older Caladryl that contains the ingredient “diphenhydramine,” unless directed by your physician. Applying diphenhydramine to open sores and taking diphenhydramine by mouth can cause a toxic build-up of the drug. What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for poison oak? The best treatment for poison oak is to run hot water on the affected areas, as hot as you can stand. This will seem counterintuitive, since heat increases the itching and cold soothes it. Under hot water the itching will briefly become very intense and then will stop for several hours, as if the nerves responsible for conveyin
