Why do rashes occur?
These rashes occur owing to the presence of a substance known as urushiol in the poison oak plant. It has been estimated that about 15–20% of healthy individuals are immune to this substance and do not develop any reactions. However, other healthy individuals who are not immune may develop mild-to-severe symptoms based on the amount of exposure to the plant or its other parts. Healthy individuals can develop rashes either with the first exposure itself or after repeated exposures over a period of time. Exposure to poison oak usually occurs when you are gardening, hiking, camping or playing in the woods. Wondering why you got the rash after wearing a jacket that you hadn’t worn until last week after the trek last year? The answer is simple. Urushiol, which if rubbed off the poison oak plant onto other things like your jacket, can dry and stay potent for years together and still cause rashes when you come in contact with it. Symptoms The symptoms of exposure to poison oak may develop wit
