Re: Cleaning Poison Ivy Urushiol off Gear

Alicia (et al) -

Since the PO rash is an allergic reaction, the most effective treatment is anti-allergic medicines. In particular, the reaction causes the body to massively generate histamines (as do most allergic reactions). Breathing the smoke (NEVER use PO or PI sticks in your campfire) promotes swelling of the pulmonary tract just like a massive asthma attack. So the usual MD treatment is an injection of a steroidal antihistamine for massive rashes. You can reduce the reaction (aside from the cleansing ritual) by taking an antihistamine tablet routine (Benadryl or the generic diphenhydramine HCl work pretty well, which is also why they are recommended for first aid kits in case someone is allergic to bee stings and doesn't have their epi-kit).

After the rash starts to appear (better before the blistering starts, but even after it starts "weeping"), an antihistamine cream or gel helps reduce or even eliminate the weeping. I find that the diphenhydramine HCl gels work best for me - either Benadryl gel or the generic versions, or CalaGel (same folks as make TecNu). There is a more powerful cream, but it is really expensive ($30 or $40 for the same size container as the diphenhydramine HCl creams and gels sell for $5).

You can find all this on the web sites, plus this is what my doctors have recommended and seems to work for me. However, as with all physical things, your mileage may vary.