Discussion: I have a feeling you're not...

I have a feeling you're not going to be the only one...

:( I don't know how the BAOCers do it!!!

I found out I'm not immune either. Hopefully, yours is not so bad, Anna.

Lots of technu.

Lots of debridement?

Does tecnu help after you already have it? I thought it just removed the oil?

This is from the Tecnu website:
Wash with Tecnu to remove poison ivy, oak and sumac oil. Simply apply Tecnu to dry skin, rub vigorously for two minutes, and rinse with cool water or wipe off with a cloth. When used within 2-8 hours after exposure to poison oak, ivy or sumac, Tecnu can remove urushiol oil before the rash begins. Once a poison plant rash has started, washing with Tecnu helps remove any free oil on the skin allowing the natural healing process to begin without the possible spreading of poison ivy or oak (re-contamination).

They also advertise Tecnu Rash Relief - I have not tried it.

OTC Caladryl Clear has worked quite well for me as a symptom reliever.

Even with my extensive technu-ing, I still have a couple little spots :(

I haven't found that techno does much after the first 48 hours. They also used to put out an ivy block, which you put on before going into the woods. I thought it worked great, but I haven't seen it anywhere lately. I wonder if they yanked it because people were putting it on and then thinking they were completely impervious. At any rate, my reaction is quite mild even with no treatment, so I use the stuff sparingly.

I've used Tecnu before and after exposure (successively) but I agree that I wouldn't expect much effect after even 24 hours. Like Carol, I still get a few spots - but they are smaller and heal much faster than without. (poison ivy for me, but same oil). I have put small amounts on any affected areas after my first post-ivy shower.

Of course, be sure that all clothes including shoes are promptly washed. I've not used Tecnu for that, just the washing machine.

BTW: Caladryl Clear is a lotion. Try Walgreen's etc.

Still afraid to take my forest-o clothes out of their plastic bag... I should probably get over that.

Yes, 'clothes in bag' is not a permanent solution. :) Urushiol stays active for a long time.
Clothes in washer, trash plastic bag, wash hands etc thoroughly? Sounds safe to me! Be bold!

My original "lots of technu" was an answer to "how do baoc-ers do it" :). Caladryl clear helps after.

You can use technu on the clothes too.