I know this is not a medical place, but soomebody always has a treatment for poison ivy. My husband gets it if you even say the name around him. He has the willpower of God when it comes to not scratching. Is there anything that helps break down the oils of poison ivy that really work?
YES! A product called Tecnu Extreme really works! Use it when showering if you know you've been in poison ivy - it takes off the oils. If you start to break out, use it in the surrounding area immediately - it will take of the oil and prevent further breakout. It also helps with the itching and speeds healing. It is kind of gritty and really feels good if you have the rash. I found this product at Walgreens, but it may be avilable elswhere. It is manufactured by Tec Labs. Good Luck!
My private method of eliiminating the effects is: Use a relatively soft toothbrush and apply handsoap and scrub the area affected, and wiping with a wet washcloth several times. Indeed blood may appear as the skin surface is scrubbed. The relief from the itch is worth the bit of pain. Apply Calamine Lotion(?), which is a drying agent and it protects the slightly exposed surface from infection. The small wound heals quickly within a few days, and the itching and spreading is stopped. If the first scrubbing was not sufficient the process may need to be repeated a day or two later. This is determined by the return of the itching sensation. This method removes the oils, and if one can stand a little pain, the method is very effective. If the surface area affected is extremely large or on the eye lids, it is probably prudent to seek professional medical attention. This method has been utilized by my family over the years, and was totally effective. http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
