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Can Poison Oak Spores Enter The Bloodstream Through Inhalation?

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Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Question: Is it possible that poison oak spores can enter the bloodstream through inhalation ? ( I had years ago gathered oak leaf mulch for gardening and at the same time had firearm bites from toe to hip ) . It took three rounds of prednisone at the time to completely clear blisters and rash. I have had two outbreaks of shingles ,one of which came months after receiving the zostervak injection. My Dr. at the time stated it looked like shingles but also poison oak .
What are your thought on using essential oils ?
Since shingles weaken the immune system particularly for the aging I am concerned for potential OTHER health issues.
My recent checkup with complete blood work showed rheumatoid arthritis beginning. I can say the pain in my knees and ankles/feet rate a 9 on a scale of 1- 10, so very painful to touch. I also on previous visit to Dr. was seeking treatment for a rash,with papules, severe itching, redness and scaling. My blood work also indicated low thyroid/ put on 25mcg Levothyroxine tablets/one per day. Skin issue /Triamcinnlone scrutinise lotion, ups 0.1% it is working well but not yet clear. I started using Eucerin Body Wash/soapless and Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion. It has been very helpful. I am not diabetic. I am 67 yoa , female.
I am very open for your suggestions, please. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Eat healthy. Exercise regularly. That is the cue to healthy living.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have very carefully gone through the details and understand your concerns. Let me mention:
* Poison oak spores can not enter the bloodstream through inhalation.
* Use of essential oils may have a topically soothing effect but would not have systemic (internal) benefits.
* Shingles is a disease caused by a variety of herpes virus. Once you get an infection, the virus persists in the area of that nerve supply for the rest of your life and there is a chance of getting shingles back again whenever your immunity drops. I do not expect any other health issues. Just eat healthy, avoid stress, get a good night's sleep and exercise regularly, and you will be fine.
* The exercise is also required to stay fit in case of the rheumatoid arthritis that you are getting. Hot compress will provide relief. Continue the other medications as suggested by your treating physician.

Let me know if you have specific queries and I would be glad to help.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Can Poison Oak Spores Enter The Bloodstream Through Inhalation?

Brief Answer: Eat healthy. Exercise regularly. That is the cue to healthy living. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have very carefully gone through the details and understand your concerns. Let me mention: * Poison oak spores can not enter the bloodstream through inhalation. * Use of essential oils may have a topically soothing effect but would not have systemic (internal) benefits. * Shingles is a disease caused by a variety of herpes virus. Once you get an infection, the virus persists in the area of that nerve supply for the rest of your life and there is a chance of getting shingles back again whenever your immunity drops. I do not expect any other health issues. Just eat healthy, avoid stress, get a good night's sleep and exercise regularly, and you will be fine. * The exercise is also required to stay fit in case of the rheumatoid arthritis that you are getting. Hot compress will provide relief. Continue the other medications as suggested by your treating physician. Let me know if you have specific queries and I would be glad to help. Regards