Poison Ivy / Urushiol

TommyF

TommyF

Well-Known Member
Seems like every year I come in contact with this crap, this year it's on the inside upper part of my legs, WTF?? Now I can't say if this was a result of MTB or some weeding in my backyard but this was a really weird spot for it to show up. Been scrubbing with Tecnu and using Cortisone now that the rash is out, anyone have any remedies that work to clear it up faster? Also, besides scrubbing the skin off your body after riding an overgrown trail, what preventative post-wash would get that oil off your skin and prevent the breakout?? Dove body wash sure ain't cutting it.
 
Other than going to a dr and getting a steroid shot, don't think there's anything that will clear it up faster. Maybe lighting yourself on fire, but that would hurt instead of itch.

Scrubbing the skin is the most effective.
 
You want to remove the oil as thoroughly and quickly as possible post exposure. Dish soap is probably a good option that's not overly harsh (there are people who advise using gasoline, which...no thanks).

Once you have a rash, I've found that Zanfel works really well, although it's stupidly expensive.
 
I follow this same advice. In the shower I scrub all exposed parts with a kitchen sponge and Dawn dish soap. Its worked quite well. Sure I've missed spots, but its no where bad as it once was. I just got the cream from the DR and its lasted 4+ years?

 
TommyF said:
Been scrubbing with Tecnu and using Cortisone now that the rash is out, anyone have any remedies that work to clear it up faster?
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Other than what you’ve done, prednisone is the only thing I know that will knock it out in 3 days. Ask your doctor the next time you go for a script. I always keep some in my medicine cabinet for emergencies and bad flairs ups.
 
Switch to using a scrubby in the shower (soap alone is not enough to clean off the oils). It also gets you much cleaner overall.
1% hydrocortisone applied religiously once it appears.
 
ekuhn said:
I follow this same advice. In the shower I scrub all exposed parts with a kitchen sponge and Dawn dish soap. Its worked quite well. Sure I've missed spots, but its no where bad as it once was. I just got the cream from the DR and its lasted 4+ years?

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Yep, this is gold. You have to treat urushiol like as if it were grease. Regular soap ain’t gonna cut it. Dawn is key. I scrub as if I were a doctor about to scrub in for surgery.

I do quite a bit of trimming and am always in contact with it and have had zero issues after watching this video.
 
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I use joy dish soap myself. If I think I was anywhere near it. The dish soap breaks down the oils and gets them off your skin.
 
TommyF said:
Seems like every year I come in contact with this crap, this year it's on the inside upper part of my legs, WTF?? Now I can't say if this was a result of MTB or some weeding in my backyard but this was a really weird spot for it to show up. Been scrubbing with Tecnu and using Cortisone now that the rash is out, anyone have any remedies that work to clear it up faster? Also, besides scrubbing the skin off your body after riding an overgrown trail, what preventative post-wash would get that oil off your skin and prevent the breakout?? Dove body wash sure ain't cutting it.
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as a cronic PI sufferer, go buy yourself a bottle of IVY DRY, its the best thing you can get for it OTC, it burns a bit on application, but dries that shit out FAST and relieves the itch. Prevention is still better, but once its reacted its too late for that.

I carry these in the truck and wipe down after most rides to prevent PI. (they also make a pre-exposure product which also helps keep the oil off your skin)
 
I've used products with pumice and was effective since it's pretty abrasive. Are getting a rash or blisters? Had both and blisters always needed a Prednisone shot
 
TommyF said:
Seems like every year I come in contact with this crap, this year it's on the inside upper part of my legs, WTF?? Now I can't say if this was a result of MTB or some weeding in my backyard but this was a really weird spot for it to show up. Been scrubbing with Tecnu and using Cortisone now that the rash is out, anyone have any remedies that work to clear it up faster? Also, besides scrubbing the skin off your body after riding an overgrown trail, what preventative post-wash would get that oil off your skin and prevent the breakout?? Dove body wash sure ain't cutting it.
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Ask you doctor for Prednisone. It will stop itching overnight and clear up in a few days.
 
a.s. said:
Other than what you’ve done, prednisone is the only thing I know that will knock it out in 3 days. Ask your doctor the next time you go for a script. I always keep some in my medicine cabinet for emergencies and bad flairs ups.
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Prednisone for sure!
 
Another vote for Dawn immediately (as possible) post contact. Dawn can be used to degrease bike chains. It should have no trouble breaking up plant oil.

Edit - just watched that video. The importance of scrubbing with a wash cloth makes sense.
 
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I use a luffa / scrubbing puff thing, but I think the key here is the soap I'm using. Going to keep a small bottle of Dawn in the shower to pre-wash my skin after a ride, then use my normal moisturizing soap. Good info here guy - Thanks !!
 
pooriggy said:
Don't rule out chiggers. I've had them already this year, and this is where they head. They itch like PI but the dots are more distinct and spread apart. PI is dots but in a tighter cluster.
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Oh great, now I've got to Google them to see WTF these suckers look like.
 
And now after Googling Chiggers and comparing pictures to my area of infection I'm starting to think this might be the case. It's more spotty then an outright rash, including one spot on my arm that's like a pimple. Not happy, but at least it's starting to dry up with Cortisone. I might be picking them up where I dump my grass clippings in the woods. All the rain we got this spring has really made the grass and weeds in that spot thick and tall and the ground in that area is always moist. Sounds like a perfect spot for them.
 
shrpshtr325 said:
as a cronic PI sufferer, go buy yourself a bottle of IVY DRY, its the best thing you can get for it OTC, it burns a bit on application, but dries that shit out FAST and relieves the itch. Prevention is still better, but once its reacted its too late for that.

I carry these in the truck and wipe down after most rides to prevent PI. (they also make a pre-exposure product which also helps keep the oil off your skin)
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I always use the Ivy-x wipes after 6 mile. And Tecnu extreme before I shower. Works for me
 
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