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Cleaning Up:  Poison Ivy Oil Remover  |
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BStein
True Blue Farmgirl
75 Posts
Barbara
Westerville
OH
75 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 6:42:23 PM
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My husband thought he got into some poison ivy today and sent me on a wild goose chase for some Fels Naptha, the only product we knew of for removing the oil from skin. No one around us sells Fels Naptha. I have done a little online research and found there are a few other products, but don't know what's a good choice. I know it's too late for him now, but I want to have something on hand for next time. Any recommendations for store-bought or homemade solution? And where can I buy Fels Naptha?
Thanks,
Barbara (in OH) |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 7:29:42 PM
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My grandmother always recommended yellow Dial soap for poison ivy, but I'm not sure they still make the formula that she liked so much. For a while it was hard to find yellow. I've also heard that Castile soap is good for removing the oil. I use really hot water and the strongest soap I can find - lye soap is good too. For washing the clothes in the laundry I use a little extra soap and the hot wash/warm rinse option.
As far as where to find it, hmmm, that's a stumper. Occasionally I will see it in a hardware store, preferably one in a small town that is not a chain so their inventory isn't well-managed! LOL. Does Lehman's carry it? ---No, I just got on their web site and they don't seem to have it. However, I found out it is now sold by Dial Soap http://www.dialsoap.com/index.cfm?page_id=47
I got into the poison ivy while pulling grapevines down out of our orchard in Michigan last week. I only got it on one arm, but I really got it good! The whole inside of my arm is covered! I have read that no matter what you take/use to relieve the itching, you generally have it for three weeks while it works its way out of your system, and you can get blisters in areas that never touched the ivy since once your immune system starts reacting to the oil it spreads through your bloodstream. Don't know if that is gospel or not, though. Anyway, it hasn't started spreading too bad yet, although my mind makes me think I am itching in places where there are no blisters yet!
I have been using my glycerine-based honey soap on the blisters and it does seem to relieve the itching for a period of time - honey is very healing. I am also using an OTC ointment with diphenhydramine (like Benedryl) in it twice a day. I just bought the store brand, not the more expensive name brand. I think it is a lot pleasanter if you don't scratch the blisters when they itch although it is very tempting.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 8:20:18 PM
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Real soap with mint essential oil will break up and wash away the oil from the ivy. It does wonders.
Vodka rinse is also supposed to work well.
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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lawsec03
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Melissa
Richmond
KY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 9:10:26 PM
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| I found Fels Naptha at Kroger and Meijer. |
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Mag
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
Margaret
Mount Vernon
OH
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2006 : 05:55:22 AM
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| Fels Naptha is sold at Kroger but it's not with the other laundry detergents. I usually find it in the same area as Borax and the color safe bleach. It is a small bar so you really have to look over each shelf. I use it for laundry but will give it a try next time we come down with PI. Yes, Lehman's carries it but in the store only as far as I can tell. Hope this helps. |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2006 : 11:11:17 AM
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If you don't get to your exposed skin fast enough with soap and water (and don't forget to wash the clothes you were wearing, too -- several times!) a wonderful product to invest in is Zanfel. It's expensive -- over $30 -- but it works magically. It's a sort of gritty cream that you have to rub between wet hands, then massage over the affected skin for a certain period of time. It's the only thing I know of that really makes the oil that causes the rash go away. I think it bonds with it and rinses off or something. Anyway, I had horrible poison ivy last year and this stuff did the trick when nothing else did. Of course, it still took a long time for the rash to go away, but the Zanfel took care of the agonizing itch almost immediately. Wouldn't be a bad item to have on the shelf just in case.
BTW, the doctor who recommended this stuff to me also said that 9in his experience, the harsher the soap you use to clean off after poison ivy exposure, the worse your break-out is likely to be. He said it's better to use a good basic soap and just wash extra long, or more than once, with it. The harsh stuff can irritate your skin, allowing the nasty poison ivy oil to get in deeper and do more damage. Sounds sensible to me -- but I sure hope I never have another occasion to test the theory!!! |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2006 : 4:09:21 PM
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...Just an extra something...
I knew someone that seemed to get poison ivy by looking at it. They would wash their arm, hand, leg etc. with salt and warm water like an exfoliating type thing and it would dry up and go away in a day. I do not get poison ivy but know so many that do and it seems just awful so I thought I would pass that on!
Just petals from the flower patch,
Til Next Time...
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2006 : 05:39:07 AM
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I'm happy to put in my two cents worth on dealing with poison ivy...Brenda, I am one of those who gets a small spot of PI and next thing it's all over. I have had to go on a prednisone treatment so many times that I now take this precautionary treatment whenever I am potentially exposed to it:
Remove clothing carefully, and try not to touch the exterior of pants, socks or sleeves as you remove them, then throw those clothes directly into the washing machine. The oil can stay on your clothing and transfer to your skin (or anyone else touching the clothes if they are the ones doing the laundry). Then use a bleach/water solution and a rag or wash cloth and liberally rinse every bit of skin. I usually do this at the laundry sink in my undies, or in the tub if I don't have privacy downstairs. I let myself air dry and then follow with a lukewarm or cool shower; try not to let your pores open up in hot water; I think it makes it worse. (Most definitely - no hot bathtub for a long soak!)
I have done this for the last several years with great success. I have a friend who is also susceptible to PI and she swears by the Zanfel product as well.
Jo |
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Bundaflicka
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Maggie
Brookfield
New York
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2006 : 06:02:02 AM
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Has anyone tried tea tree oil for poison ivy? I rub lavender oil right on the rash and it dries up fairly well.
The farm is the heart of the earth. |
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BStein
True Blue Farmgirl
75 Posts
Barbara
Westerville
OH
75 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2006 : 09:47:24 AM
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From herbalmusings.com I found:
How to Use Tea Tree Oil
For rashes, including diaper rash, psoriasis, eczema, poison ivy, and insect bites:
Combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1/8 cup of a cold-pressed "carrier" oil, such as avocado, apricot kernel, or sweet almond. Using a cotton ball, apply this solution directly to affected areas of the skin.
I didn't find anything about using it to remove the PI oil, though.
Many good suggestions here, however. Thanks and I am going to keep several of these suggestions on hand.
Barbara in Ohio |
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KellyA
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
Kelly
Johnsonville
NY
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2006 : 6:13:04 PM
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My Grandpa always washed us down with a solution of water and bleach, too, when we came in from the woods. I am highly allergic, but I never came home from his house with poison ivy!
Kelly
When a cookbook is in hand, life is good! |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2006 : 10:29:19 AM
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I used to get poison ivy just by walking near it (like 4-5 feet away from it). Even when I'd get into it, I'd just shed my clothes (wash as usual) and take a shower (just normal soap) and was fine. I've never heard of having to use special concoctions to wash the oil off, just regular soap and water have worked really well for me. (Coming from someone who's had her eyes almost swollen shut by the stuff...)
Katee
A life without love is like a year without summer.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2006 : 5:04:33 PM
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I seem to get it every year- as I'm always in the orchard - either picking apples or pears or berries or pulling down grapevines. This year I have been taking Celebrex for my broken foot and Tylenol, and when I missed my Celebrex I took Advil instead. I noticed that when I took the Advil the redness and itching seemed to be suppressed for a few hours. I have also been using honey soap or goat's milk soap with oatmeal alternately and it also seems to relieve the itch temporarily.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 5:33:17 PM
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Has anyone tried jewelweed for poison ivy. I have heard of this natural remedy for a while but since I have never had poison Ivy or Poison oak I Had not followed up on doing research , But today my nephew who works on our farm got it and I bought him some "Burt Bees Brand" Soap for poison ivy and the main ingredient is jewel weed aka touch me not. According to a google search I did ...If you can find the weed which grows wild on the east coast from florida to canada you can cut the stalk and rub the juice of the plant on your skin or boil some and apply. There may be some soap makers here that make some already. I will let you know how it works , If it works as well as they say My nephew will be back doing farm work in a day or two ( he may not be happy at the results because I plan to have him back picking blackberries probably sooner than he hoped!)
My Farm http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=140532&ck=
My Recipes http://recipecircus.com/recipes/garliclady/]
My blog http://www.epicourier.com/Garliclady/ |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 6:05:20 PM
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I have some jewelweed in my backyard near the woodpile and (since I am a lifetime Girl Scout) recognized it right away - and remembered that I had been told over and over again "jewelweed for poison ivy". Last week when my arm was really itching I rubbed some on, but also rubbed in some dirt (I was wearing gloves and was digging up compost back by the wood pile) I didn't notice much difference. But I'm not sure if you're supposed to rub it on right away to remove the oil, or later to remedy the itching???? My arm is much better today, this morning some of the smaller blisters seemed to have dried totally up, although they got red and itchy again this evening when I was out pulling weeds around the tomato plants.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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BStein
True Blue Farmgirl
75 Posts
Barbara
Westerville
OH
75 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 5:36:37 PM
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Well, dh did break out with a nasty rash on his legs and a little on his arms. We're now trying some of the great "cures" recommended here. But unfortunately we don't have jewelweed, or honey soap. But I'm looking for tea tree oil. Dh didn't want to spend the money on Zanfel, but maybe is regretting it now that he has weeping blisters. Thanks for the good advice, though. Now we have to keep those preventative measures on hand...although he says they'll be no next time.
Barbara |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2006 : 12:19:17 AM
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Jo mentioned prednisone, which reminded me that I, too, was given a prescription for the stuff when I had such awful poison ivy last year, because it seemed to have gone systemic. I had breathed in plenty of smoke while tending a huge brush fire late at night. I didn't know it, but our groundskeeper had added a lot of fresh poison ivy cuttings to the pile without telling me. It was spreading all over me the next morning. In fact, I wound up taking two complete courses (or whatever they call it) of the stuff, that's how bad it was. The Zanfel provided immediate relief of the itching, but I think it was probably the prednisone that did the serious work. I hate to take drugs -- really I do -- but I had to admit this was good stuff. Cheap, too: like, two or three dollars.
Jo, you are so right to caution us about removing clothes carefully, just as you describe, and washing them right away. I remember being warned also to wash down any garden equipment or other items used when in contact with the poison ivy. And don't forget shoes! If you were standing in poison ivy and then touch the shoes where they made contact, you can get the urushiol on your skin from them -- even weeks later, apparently.
My husband has used the cool or lukewarm shower/Clorox method of nipping urushiol that Jo mentioned. A lot of people here in rural Virginia recommend this, but the Clorox part seems too harsh to me, and I don't like Clorox getting into our septic tank. I'd rather use just good plain soap and lukewarm water. But then, when you consider the calamitous experience I had last year, maybe I'm not the one to give advice on prevention!
I have harvested Jewelweed (also known as "Butter-'n'-Eggs" around here) and made strong infusions that I freeze in ice cube trays, then put the cubes storage containers for convenient use the following year as a field preventive (you rub the ice cubes on your skin to melt the Jewelweed "tea"). I can't say it really works. Some people swear by it, though, and they love getting containers of the cubes as homely gifts in early spring, before brush-clearing begins.
There is also the homeopathic idea of taking Rhus. Tox. for poison ivy -- hair of the dog that bit you, as it were. Going homeopathy one better, some good ol' boys I know will SAY they start EATING poison ivy in small pieces in winter (though where they find it, I know not), adding more as they can tolerate it until they make themselves immune. I believe with all my heart that this is pure hogwash. |
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emma.birdwhistle
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Elizabeth Ann
Ontario
Canada
187 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2006 : 05:47:06 AM
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I have yet to run into poison ivy myself (knock on wood!), but my father is quite allergic to it, and he uses the homeopathic remedy mentioned in the above post (rhus toxicodendron, I believe?). He keeps it in the house and takes it as soon as he thinks he's come into contact with poison ivy, and apparently it works very well. I'm not sure if it's equally effective if the rash has already broken out, though.
I've heard that jewelweed also works well if you mash it up in a blender before applying it to the affected area. However, this isn't easy if you're in the middle of the woods.  In that case, I suppose you just try to get as much juice out of the stems as possible. I've never tried it myself, but I'm glad to know about it just in case!
We also bought the Burt's Bees soap this spring, and it seems to work for my sister (who is very adventurous and therefore always getting into poison ivy!).
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Thoreau |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2006 : 09:34:16 AM
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I have also used the homeopathic route of taking Rhus. Tox. for poison ivy, when I have just a little spot or two. It was recommended to me by a pharmacist in rural Virginia when I went looking for calamine lotion while on vacation. They are little tablets that you let melt under your tongue, I would recommend this remedy as well, but not for major inflammations.
Regarding the post about bleach; I use a diluted version, about 1/2 cup bleach to 1-2 gallons water. My DH's grandmother (who lived to age 94) also used to soak her feet in this solution, just to soften the skin! I don't think it is too harsh; the worst I did to myself a couple of years ago was when I used the washcloth all over my face and accidentally breathed in while the cloth was still over my nose/mouth. Icck! No permanent damage, honest....*#$*&@) ack, gulp, oh, I am okay, just kidding!
I have also used the bleach solution after picking wild blackberries; pretty sure thye were not growing near poison ivy, but I packed a baggie with a wet washcloth from the bleach/water solution and used it to wash/disinfect my hands periodically while picking. Those nasty thorns can hurt, and I wanted to make sure I kept the product as hygenic as possible, and myself protected!
Jo |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2006 : 3:08:55 PM
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| I mentioned this thread to my husband today at lunch, and he reminded me that the technique he was told about included scraping the infected area roughly with a table knife before applying the Clorox with a cloth. AAAIIIEEEI!!! No thanks! He thinks it works, though. Jo, I wonder how close to being neighbors we are. Or did I ask you that once before? This age thing is starting to get really old. ;-) |
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Audrey D Abbott
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Audrey
Williamsport
IN
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2006 : 5:15:23 PM
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| The jewelweed is to ease the itching and help dry up the poison ivy, and, it works! It is also has some effect on the burning and itching from contact with nettles. |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2006 : 06:28:39 AM
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Rosemary, I will tell if you will! I am in the Northern Neck, if you know where that is?
Jo |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2006 : 1:53:44 PM
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| Ah -- you'd have to paddle up the Rappahannock to Fauquier County, then hike several miles inland to hit our farm. How I envy you being close to the water! That's the only thing I miss here. |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2006 : 05:42:06 AM
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Hi Rosemary - just getting back to this post (guess what, I have poison ivy on my forearm. I think I got it from my dog's fur since I stay far away from the stuff when I can help it.)
Anyway, I commute between the Neck and Northern Virginia, so I will wave to you as I cut through Fauquier County...you live in a beautiful area.
Jo |
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Woodswoman
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Jennifer
Altamont
NY
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2006 : 07:53:36 AM
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Just thought I'd share.....
I've had poison ivy three times this year!
I used jewlweed when I got it on my left leg. The jewelweed helped with the itching and oozing (yuck), but I still had some discomfort and it didn't go away any faster.
Next, I had it on my right leg. I tried putting bleach on it-my mom is a nurse and said if it was diluted and just used on a small area away from my face, it probably wouldn't hurt. That REALLY dried up the oozing, and it itched a lot less. As long as I repeated it, it seemed to dry up a lot faster.
Next, I got it on my hands. My dad bought me some of that Zanfel. It REALLY, REALLY worked. It cleared it up faster than anything. The stuff is expensive, though.
Again, since I've tested a few things, I thought I'd share! We've been working on spot spraying so I don't have to go through this next year!
Jennifer |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2006 : 07:05:49 AM
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Howdy--
I can get poison ivy and oak just by looking at it, and I really suffer. I've also heard that this year in particular in our area that Poison Ivy is at its peak concentration because of fewer frosts and warmer winters. I've found that an over the counter product called Tecnu wash really does the job. They also make a scrub (about $14.95). It's SO worth it to me!!! When I'm working out in the yard, or feeding the wild birds in the lower portion of our woods, I simply come inside, use the Tecnu even if I don't show signs of the rash, and I've been poison ivy free for the whole season!!! I usually pick it up at Walgreens and keep it on hand all year.
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
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Cleaning Up: Poison Ivy Oil Remover |
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Poison Ivy Oil Remover
