poison ivy / alergy in general

[firemanpat2910]

I used to be unaffected, but either changed or ran into some heavyduty PI.
some one once told me there are different "strands" of poison ivy. You could touch 1 kind and be fine touch a different vine and itch all week.
I have used TECH-NU from drug stores. Just wash with it any time you were exposed and it seems to help.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I think that you can develop a resistance to these things. I know I did when I was working at a scout camp during summers. We had stinging nettle all over (I know stinging nettle is different than poinson ivy/oak). At the beginning of the summer if I walked through the stuff, I would be itching for days. At the end of the summer and in subsequent summers, I could walk through it with no ill effect.

In your case, Soundguy, It wouldn't be a resistance since you had been avoiding well for so long. Probably just luck.

Here's another question...

Are some stands of Poison Ivy/Oak etc. just more potent than others?

 

[RobertN]

But honestly, I dont think I would go rollin in it in this heat and humidity

But... chasing a wildland fire, on a progressive hose lay through who knows what...

Then, picking up the hose, loading, unloading at the station, and then washing it.

There's where you can get a really good case of poison oak! I've got a touch of it cleaning hose; fortunate because when I get it, I usually get it real bad.

I found Technu works well. Technu and Avon make pre-exposure creams. Old fashion home made lye soap is the best soap to use if you can get your hands on some.

 

[RollTideRam]

I have only had it once, this year. I try to keep away from it, but I think I got it off of my dog this year. I have been allergic to it since I was a kid and usually have to go to the Doc to get a shot for it. If I catch it in time, bleach does the trick at home and MEK at work. JC

 

[jimmysisson]

My old neighbor died last year, and his barn looked like it might fall down. I moved his tractor out of there to another fella's barn. This summer I trailered it back. It had 2 flats on front and dead battery. Somewhere on that thing, probably the tires, was poison ivy oil from a year ago, and I got just a little rash. Urushiol is pretty durable. I'm with those who like Technu - as long as you know you were exposed!
Jim

 

[Soundguy]

Very possible. I know what PI looks like.. and do actively try to avoid it.. and when i do get contact.. i try to clean up good later.. and have always been lucky with only very minor rash that lasts a day or so.. However the PO and PS.. I didn't even know what it looked like till one day someone mentioned that I was gonna be in trouble as I was cutting a hedge down that was full of the stuff... Just shorts and flip flops on.. full body contact for a few days of work... nery a mark on me... go figure...

So.. what are the active iritants in PI, PO, and PS.. I assume they are different?

PI is 'Usheric'...something or other right? And other than being an alergen.. is it somehow caustic or aciditic??

Soundguy

I think that you can develop a resistance to these things. I know I did when I was working at a scout camp during summers. We had stinging nettle all over (I know stinging nettle is different than poinson ivy/oak). At the beginning of the summer if I walked through the stuff, I would be itching for days. At the end of the summer and in subsequent summers, I could walk through it with no ill effect.

In your case, Soundguy, It wouldn't be a resistance since you had been avoiding well for so long. Probably just luck.

Here's another question...

Are some stands of Poison Ivy/Oak etc. just more potent than others?

 

[Paddy]

When I was young, I work as a grounds keeper. I'd just pull P. ivey out with my bare hands and go about my way. I still have never had a reaction but I'm not so brave. Now I wash up after. What I have always speculated is it's the cut/brused material that gets you. I think people could walk in it just fine but, once the weed wacker sprays it on your legs.....

I have known folks like me that do not react...until the first time at 40+!!

 

[Piedmont3]

So.. what are the active iritants in PI, PO, and PS.. I assume they are different?
PI is 'Usheric'...something or other right? And other than being an alergen.. is it somehow caustic or aciditic??
Soundguy

Here is A web site that explains some of the issues with these plants.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/Poisin Ivy Site


I am an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, I have never had an allergic reaction to PI or PO, and have been in it many times, but my mother can walk within about 5 feet of either and end up in the hospital. it has happend 5 times to her, that I can readily remember.

 

[bloody_peasant]

Poison ivy does not bother me , I can weed eat the stuff.
The wife is another matter though, she can just get close to the stuff in hot weather and break out. Working with roundup I have just about eradicated all of the poison ivy on my property. Should finish up this year.

Yep me too, I used to weed eat it all the time. Get a small number of bumps that would go away in a day or two. However I've known others who had to go to the doc and get steroid ointments from the stuff.

 

[bones1]

Soundguy, how does the Zyrtec work for you? I have been given a prescription of it for sinus congestion that I have had for years etc but haven't tried it yet.Can you tell me if it works for you and any side effects. Thanks, Soundguy, I won't take prescriptions until the last option.