Hiking tips to avoid poison oak and ticks

April 9, 4:07 PMSF Twenty-Something ExaminerJessica Woodard

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In general, it is a beautiful California spring, and I absolutely recommend getting out there to enjoy the overabundance of green things, wildly blooming wildflowers, and the ridiculously bright orange California poppies that have taken over the Pacific coast.

However, it is good idea to be very wary when wandering the paths of California.

Most seasohikers around the Bay Area probably know the dangers lurking around, but for those who might not, this article contains some useful tips and tricks to avoid ticks and itches, and advice for the having fun without being crippled by paranoia.

1. Stay on the trail

It is a very good idea to stick to the beaten path when you’re hiking in northern California. When you wander off-trail you contribute to erosion, invade the personal space of the wildlife around you, and in Mt. Tamalpais, you could be spreading a deadly tree fungus that is responsible for Sudden Oak Death (SOD) responsible for killing off trees. (more info)

But there are also personal dangers lurking off the trail.

• Ticks and lyme disease: Wandering off-trail is an open invitation for a free meal by the bloodthirsty grass dwellers we call blacklegged ticks, and some of these buggers carry Lyme disease, which is not good for humans.
• Poison Oak: These days, walking through forests and underbrush will guarantee you an encounter with the poison oak plant. This oily plant makes most people develop horrible itchy rashes.

2. Know your enemy

Here is a rhyme to identify poison oak that park rangers use to teach camp kids about poison oak. It’s good to know because it really blends in with a lot of plants and it gives a very nasty rash.

Leaves of three, let it be

If it’s hairy it’s a berry

If it’s shiny watch your hinny

Poison oak is very devious, it changes colors with the seasons and likes to hide inside pretty and innocent plants along the path. The leaves, roots, and branches contain a chemical called urushiol. This is a poisonous substance, and when you touch it, the oil is absorbed into the skin. The rash is the result of your body's immune system fighting against this invader.

Ticks prefer wooded and bushy areas with high grass and a lot of leaf litter. For more information check out these links on lyme disease and ticks.

3. Good hiking habits

• Stay on the trail. If you are hiking with a dog, keep them on a leash so your pets are less likely to go off-trail and bring back unpleasant reminders of the day for you.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks to keep ticks and oils off your skin. However you can still get poison oak from your clothes, so wash immediately after hiking in a separate load and try not to touch them too much.
• After you hike, scrub your hands with cold water and soap, check your body and clothes for ticks.
• Shower and wash your hair after being in an area where poison oak is present, even if you don't believe you had any contact with the plant.
• If you think you have been exposed to poison oak, the best thing is to take a cold shower as soon as possible and use a special soap formulated to wash resins of poison oak from skin and clothing. These soaps are available in most sporting goods stores, and are a good thing to have around!

4. Extra tidbits to ease the mind of the paranoid

• Not all ticks carry lime disease, if you get spot them quickly it shouldn't be a problem, and most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. You should simply be aware, not terrified.
• Feeling itchy already? It is probably in your head, from the heat, sunscreen, and fresh air. Even if you did touch poison oak, you shouldn’t develop an itch or rash until at least 10 hours later.
• As long as you follow the hiking tips, you are doing as much as you can do for the moment and should stop worrying. You can take a shower afterwards.
• Still nervous about poison oak? Take some poison oak soap with you. Or, if you are near the coast: plan to go for a "refreshing" swim in the water after your hike.
• Although everybody is allergic to poison oak at some point, there are varying degrees of sensitivity, so a brush with a branch does not equal certain death. Just be careful.

Thoughts? Did I miss anything important?