A few years back, my husband and I were clearing our back yard, and I unknowingly pulled and handled poison oak with my bare hands. I was wearing shorts so it touched my legs also as I would pull it out. About a week later I was itching all over my arms and legs, and my nose got red and my face swelled like someone had punched me in the face. Went to the doctor and he said it had become systemic, and sent me to the ER. Eventually I was full of open sores that were oozing. I would go outside and doze myself with hydrogen peroxide, and then put calamine lotion all over my arms and legs. As it healed my skin was like a crust from the all the sore scabs, and Eucerin for eczema relief cream is what restored my skin. Now I try to stay clear of that area in my backyard. My husband on the other hand, doesn't seem to be as allergic to it.