Floodwaters Bring A Rash Of Itching

Dozens of people who waded through last week’s floodwaters have another misery this week: a red, itchy rash.

“It feels like my legs are on fire,” Gary Anderson said. “I feel like I’m wearing a pair of hot boots.’

Poison oak is to blame, doctors say.

The plant is abundant in the Santa Ynez Mountains near the coastal city. Recent heavy rains washed the resin down hillsides, coating floodwaters and making problems for people who slogged through them.

About 20 firefighters are nursing rashes. Cottage Hospital has treated as many as 20 people for the rash, Dr. Chris Lambert said. He estimated about 50 people citywide are affected.

“It’s nasty to look at and a nuisance, but it’s a non-fatal nuisance,” said Dr. Alan Chovil, Santa Barbara County’s director of communicable disease control.