Prevention:
If are going to be in poison oak in the near future, the most powerful defense you have is knowing what to look for, and avoid.

Poison oak always has three leaves tightly clustered together. It can grow as a vine that weaves up high into the braches of other trees; but it can also grow as a free standing bush or shrub. Poison oak leaves are colored differently at different times of the year, it can vary from a light green to a dark red. It often has clusters of white berries that hang from it's branches


How to dress:
Use common sense when dressing for possible contact with poison oak. Wear long pants and a long shirt that covers forearms, lower legs and ankles (these are the most commonly affected areas). Also, don't ever wear open toed shoes, or sandals, etc. when being near poisonous plants.

Protective Lotion:

There are also products available that can be put on skin to act as a barrier to the harmful urushiol secreted from poisonous plants. Ivy block, made by EnviroDerm Pharmaceuticals works well.

What NOT to do...
Remember not to shower or wash your skin BEFORE going into areas that may have poison oak. The natural oils in your skin act as a barrier to poison oak; if they are removed, the urushiol will be quickly absorbed by your skin and the resulting rash will be much worse.