What should you do if exposed to poison ivy or poison oak?

Washing the oil off your skin quickly with cold water and a cleanser like Tecnu is the appropriate action to take if you've been exposed to poison ivy or poison oak. The reason for this is that these plants contain an oily resin called urushiol, which is responsible for the allergic reaction they cause in many people. The sooner you wash the area with a suitable cleanser, the better the chances of reducing or eliminating the urushiol from your skin, which can help prevent or lessen the severity of the rash.

Using cold water is important because hot water can open the pores and potentially allow more urushiol to penetrate the skin. A specialized cleanser like Tecnu is formulated to effectively break down and wash away the oils from the skin, which is essential for minimizing the reaction.

In contrast, simply leaving the area might prevent further exposure but does not help with the urushiol already on your skin. Applying lotion and waiting can lead to the rash developing fully, as this method does not address the urushiol already present. Ignoring the exposure is unwise since the reaction can worsen over time if the oil remains on the skin. Overall, prompt and effective action is crucial for managing exposure to these plants.