# Poison Ivy exposure **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 5, 2011, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400 "2011-06-05T15:29:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![PoorYorick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@PoorYorick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoorYorick)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/41 "2011-06-06T18:30:20Z")
I know I’m off topic, but since others have mentioned general poison ivy lore, I thought I’d chime in. Some archaeologist friends of mine, who would know, swear by [Tecnu](http://www.teclabsinc.com/store/poison-oak-ivy/tecnu) to wash off poison ivy oil. This is also the go-to product in south Louisiana. As a confirmed sufferer, I swear by it. And by the way, calamine or oat meal baths never did a thing for me. Off to the doctor for a cortisone injection at the first hint of a rash to head it off at the pass, or it’s weeks of misery. One trick for killing poison ivy that I’ve heard, but never tried, is to fill a few tin cans with about 4 inches of RoundUp or like herbicde. Then clip a couple of leaves to each can so they are immersed in the fluid. Supposedly, the poison ivy will soak up the herbicde into the roots much better than just spraying it on the leaves. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/42 "2011-06-06T18:43:38Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I’ve never heard of problems from poison ivy taking more than 24 hours to show up. … I have personal experience of it taking longer than that - at least, to fully develop. When I was 9, I found a large, pretty leaf in the woods. Mostly yellow, one green spot. For whatever reason, I held it up to my face. The area where the leaf was still green was breaking out within 24 hours. It took a few days for the rest of my face to turn me into what looked like an advanced case of leprosy or smallpox or something. Needless to say, this did not enhance my social standing. As a result, I’m terrified of the stuff! Sounds like Antigen did a lot of the right stuff. From what I’ve heard though, no more pulling - not until it’s been nuked with Roundup and had a few days for the roots to get a good dose. Hopefully next year there’ll be less of a problem if you get most of the stuff clobbered this year (I found this to be true when trying to deal with a nasty thistle infestation). Oh - and the problem is [only going to get worse](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13046200/ns/us_news-environment/t/another-global-warming-gift-itchier-poison-ivy/) :(. ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/43 "2011-06-06T18:58:25Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > Still no apparent rash or irritation, which is encouraging! I went out and tackled some more of the stuff today, being more careful about covering up and washing up afterwards. Is a normal run through the washing machine enough to take care of the oils on my clothes and garden gloves? Should I run an empty load to clean out the machine before doing normal laundry? > > Just for fun, here’s my yard: > > [Before](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXbQdqhZUDY/TerLVI28i5I/AAAAAAAAAZI/rlKca5YQP40/s1600/img_1525.jpg). > > [After](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbF9EKEs26k/TewZMnN5ahI/AAAAAAAAAZo/NNewRV-fOTs/s1600/img_1545.jpg). You may already be aware, but there is plenty of poison ivy still visible in the “after” shot. A regular washing machine cycle has always sufficed for me. No special steps beyond putting the clothes straight into the machine as I take them off. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/44 "2011-06-06T19:21:11Z")
> [@PoorYorick](#): > > One trick for killing poison ivy that I’ve heard, but never tried, is to fill a few tin cans with about 4 inches of RoundUp or like herbicde. Then clip a couple of leaves to each can so they are immersed in the fluid. Supposedly, the poison ivy will soak up the herbicde into the roots much better than just spraying it on the leaves. from a safety point leaving chemicals out like that is a bad thing, even though glyphosates are a safe herbicide. if the can was split or rain over filled the can it would kill any nearby vegetation, that amount could kill small trees. multiple applications to poison ivy may be needed and is effective. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/45 "2011-06-06T21:25:49Z")
> [@PoorYorick](#): > > I know I’m off topic, but since others have mentioned general poison ivy lore, I thought I’d chime in. Some archaeologist friends of mine, who would know, swear by [Tecnu](http://www.teclabsinc.com/store/poison-oak-ivy/tecnu) to wash off poison ivy oil. This is also the go-to product in south Louisiana. As a confirmed sufferer, I swear by it. And by the way, calamine or oat meal baths never did a thing for me. Off to the doctor for a cortisone injection at the first hint of a rash to head it off at the pass, or it’s weeks of misery. Seconded on Tecnu. Before I discovered it, I’d get a rash at the slightest contact, and like others upthread, it started in a few patches after a day or two and continued to spread over the next few weeks. Now if I suspect I might have brushed against any, I wash with Tecnu and am fine. And if I do forget to use it and get a rash, I wash the affected skin with Tecnu and the rash is gone in days instead of weeks. **Antigen** , I’d recommend a bottle until you get the backyard completely cleaned up. Geez, I sound like an advertisement… ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/46 "2011-06-06T21:59:33Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > You may already be aware, but there is plenty of poison ivy still visible in the “after” shot. I know there’s still a lot left, unfortunately. That’s as much as we could manage for one weekend, and we were wiped out afterwards. We cleared about a tenth of the space we need to clear, but got rid of probably 1/4 of the poison ivy in the yard, because it was all concentrated in the very front. Further back it’s all different vines and weeds, with sparse spots of poison ivy. I followed all the advice and washed up with dish soap in a cool shower, being very careful with my clothes and not touching anything on the way inside. My husband decided not to shower right away because he had to mow the lawn and would “just get all sweaty again”, so of course now he’s got patches of poison ivy on his arms where his shirt cuffs rubbed on his skin. Just red patches, no blisters, for now. Looks like the calamine lotion and Benadryl I bought won’t be a waste! Oh, and this doesn’t get him out of helping next weekend! I bought some weed killer with a high concentration of Triclopyr, the main ingredient in Brush-B-Gone, which I couldn’t find, and I sprayed a small area to see how well it works. I really want to get it from the roots as much as possible so I don’t have as hard a time with it next year. Between the poison ivy and the other vines, and the pine trees, the ground is so thick with roots that I doubt I’ll be able to plant anything under there like I wanted to. Oh well. Naked ground is still miles better than poison ivy. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/47 "2011-06-06T22:44:02Z")
> [@](#): > > My husband decided not to shower right away because he had to mow the lawn and would “just get all sweaty again”, so of course now he’s got patches of poison ivy on his arms where his shirt cuffs rubbed on his skin. In hindsight, the wiser course would have been to mow first, and _then_ tackle the poison ivy. Oh, also: Folks probably already know this, but if you see any hairy ropelike vines climbing up your trees, those are also poison ivy, and even without any leaves, contact with the ropey vines will have the same effect. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/48 "2011-06-07T00:05:27Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Last weekend we were kayaking a local river. **My gf stopped for a pee break. She went ashore, urinated, and returned. She mentioned that the ground was covered with poison ivy, so she got into the river and went for a short “cleansing” swim. The next morning she awoke with an itchy rash on her feet/ankles.** > A few years ago I helped a local community pool with a beautification project. I brought my weedwacker. I wore gloves, long pants, long-sleeve shirt, face mask, etc. Two other guys on the weed whacking crew arrived in bathing suits. They laughed at me, asking if I didn’t realize we could swim after working (it was a 95 degree day). Two days later, I had some poison ivy on my neck, where my shirt was open. One of the bathing suit guys ended up hospitalized, the other guy missed a few week of work. She’s lucky she didn’t get the poison ivy on her girly bits. I’ll bet that would have ruined her day.😃 ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/49 "2011-06-07T02:20:05Z")
[Technu Extreme with Grindelia robusta](http://www.tecnuextreme.com/) helps a lot. I use it for mosquito bites. > [@TriPolar](#): > > This thread reminds me of the situation I have a hard time comprhending. Apparently some people have difficulty identifying poison ivy. As I never could, until the first time I was exposed as an adult. > [@carnivorousplant](#): > > For how long does a dead plant retain the oil? How long afterward is it hazardous to burn? It is always hazardous to burn and sensitive people should handle even aged camp wood with gloves. > [@Chronos](#): > > In hindsight, the wiser course would have been to mow first, and _then_ tackle the poison ivy. NO!! Never mow poison ivy! I’m going to try that slice and soak technique. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/50 "2011-06-07T13:33:54Z")
> [@medstar](#): > > She’s lucky she didn’t get the poison ivy on her girly bits. I’ll bet that would have ruined her day.😃 :DWe discussed that very possibility. She (& I) take good care of the bits. ---
**Author:** ![MobiusStripes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@MobiusStripes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MobiusStripes)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/51 "2011-06-07T13:58:49Z")
When you spray it, buy something with triclopyr in it. Someone mentioned BrushBGone which I’ve used too with success. I’ve found the Glyphosate (eg. Roundup) stuff doesn’t work as well. And it probably goes without saying: don’t use a weed whacker either unless you want a nice blistery spray pattern all over your legs. (In my defense I didn’t know poison ivy was hiding in that particular mound of weeds at the time.) Someone mentioned Tecnu as well. The bottle suggests you can use it as a partial barrier _before_ you come into contact in addition to use it to de-oil yourself after contact. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/52 "2011-06-07T16:42:07Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > …he can go from scattered tiny blisters to enraged raised pussy red patches in a matter of hours… Wait…he did what to who now? mmm ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/53 "2011-06-07T16:57:03Z")
I think I saw the Enraged Pussy Patches in concert last week. ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/54 "2011-06-07T17:45:56Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > In hindsight, the wiser course would have been to mow first, and _then_ tackle the poison ivy. > > Oh, also: Folks probably already know this, but if you see any hairy ropelike vines climbing up your trees, those are also poison ivy, and even without any leaves, contact with the ropey vines will have the same effect. Clearly poison ivy is not your expertise. As has been stated, mowing poison ivy is a great way to spread it. It roots out from pieces very easily. Also, jewelweed (also called Virginia creeper), also produces similar hairy vines. Jewelweed actually looks a little like poison ivy when the leaves have not matured. Figuring that jewel weed occupies the same niche as poison ivy, I try to leave that stuff alone as much as possible. I have no idea if it helps. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/55 "2011-06-07T20:45:58Z")
I was under the impression that he was mowing the grass, not the poison ivy. And jewelweed is a completely different plant from Virginia creeper, and does not grow vines. Jewelweed is, however, often found in the same environments as poison ivy, and can be used as a field treatment for poison ivy exposure. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/56 "2011-06-07T21:54:24Z")
> [@j66](#): > > [Technu Extreme with Grindelia robusta](http://www.tecnuextreme.com/) helps a lot. Tecnu is the greatest stuff ever for poison ivy. I use the regular version before and after working in area’s with a lot of poison ivy. I’m very careful around poison ivy and rarely get rashes. When I do get an outbreak, the tecnu extreme (linked above) is a great relief. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/57 "2011-06-07T23:48:17Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Wait…he did what to who now? > mmm Pus-sy not female body part =) [or however the frell one spells that form of pus.] And now he has an appointment with the doc tomorrow to get prednisone and aterax for the damned poison ivy exposure. From 0 to 80% of the body in 2 days. Glad I have epipens… ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/58 "2011-06-08T01:45:33Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > Pus-sy not female body part =) [or however the frell one spells that form of pus.] Not trying to be a know-it-all-Norman, but the proper term is _purulent_. Pussy is not a word (well, not in that context, anyway). I used to work with a doc who regularly made rounds with groups of interns. Invariably someone would report that a wound was ‘pussy’. Said doc would pause, then say “how do you spell that?” The resident would become extremely embarrassed every single time. My apologies for the derailment. mmm ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/59 "2011-06-08T04:20:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I was under the impression that he was mowing the grass, not the poison ivy. And jewelweed is a completely different plant from Virginia creeper, and does not grow vines. Jewelweed is, however, often found in the same environments as poison ivy, and can be used as a field treatment for poison ivy exposure. Clearly, I meant Virginia creeper. Somehow, someone must have mentioned jewel weed in the same sentence and I took them as the same. :smack: Anyway, I find Virginia Creeper can look a lot like poison ivy when it’s leaves are immature. It vines up the trees just like poison ivy. The little hairs on Virginia creeper tend to be thicker, but I wouldn’t trust I if that were the only marker. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400/60 "2011-06-08T16:25:47Z")
For that matter, though, some portion of the population can apparently get contact dermatitis from Virginia creeper, too. A much smaller portion than are sensitive poison ivy, of course, but still some. And anyway, mistaking other plants for poison ivy isn’t really much of a problem. The problem is just when you mistake poison ivy for some other plant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-exposure/584400.md?page=4)