[pct-l] Poison Oak/Ivy & Poodle-Dog Bush on the PCT

[Melissa Cappetti]

Thank you to everyone who responded!  I was very impressed with the quick
feedback and helpful advice.  I tried to respond to each and every one of
you and I think I successfully accomplished that :)

You guys are awesome!  I'm afraid I may need to give up the skort option in
favor of long pants to protect my legs from Poison Oak.  Bummer...but
likely the smart thing to do considering it sounds like there is Poison Oak
all over the place.

Hopefully I'll see some of you on the trail and we will all be rash free!
~Melissa

On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 12:05 PM, Melissa Cappetti <
melissa.cappetti at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello PCT Friends!  (First time PCT Hiker here)
>
> I was hoping to get some pointers on how bad the Poison Oak/Ivy situation
> is along the PCT and I've heard that there is another plant to avoid as
> well [Poodle-Dog Bush (Turricula)].  I'm very allergic to Poison Oak and
> don't want to learn on the PCT what kind of reaction I could have with the
> infamous Poodle-Dog bush either.
>
> 10 days ago I did a training hike in Big Sur and the trail was a little
> overgrown in spots. As I walked along the trail, plants and sticks were
> brushing along my legs and body. I was experimenting with the hiking skort
> the PCT ladies had recommended so my legs were bare mid thigh down to my
> ankles.
>
> A day or two later I was horrified to see the red itchy welts forming all
> over my body (not just my legs).  I had forgotten how bad I reacted to
> poison oak.  I did not seek out medical attention until 9 days later (this
> past Monday) when it was so bad I couldn't stand it anymore. I am now on
> Prednisone, Hydroxyzine HCL, and rubbing hydrocortisone cream on my
> lesions.  I'm slowly healing up now but still pretty miserable and my skin
> looks terrible.
>
> I can't even imagine having this on the trail... Any pointers you can give
> to help me avoid coming in contact with any itch producing plants would be
> greatly appreciated.  Common sense tells me to stay on the trail when
> possible, avoid 3 leafed plants all together, and be careful where I go
> potty and set up camp.
>
> Oh, one more thing...any pointers on how to clean off the Poison Oak oils
> off my new ULA backpack would be greatly appreciated.  I'm afraid to touch
> it!  I was thinking about putting the backpack in a bathtub of warm water
> and using dish washing liquid to remove the oil (while wearing
> gloves)...but not sure if this is a good idea or not.
>
> Thank you for your help!
> Melissa
> (no trail name yet)
>