Poison Ivy

[AndyR]

I used to be able to get a rash just by looking at the bloody stuff. Seems like every summer I had poison ivy when I was a bit younger. 'Still get it if I'm not paying attention and have found a strange (but effective) solution. If it gets to the blister stage I just have Chinese food - canned or take out doesn't seem to matter. Clears up in a few days. Not entirely sure that it's the MSG or what. Could just be me. Whatever works.....

Andy in NH

 

[JOR_EL]

Rob,
Just checked out the poison-ivy link you gave us.
Lots of good info, ...thanks for the tip! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Larry

 

[RobS]

We've had mixed results with the Zanfel stuff. I've had pretty good success with most of my rash but my wife's is persisting. I didn't use the stuff until about a week after exposure, so I can't conclude anything yet as it may have been the normal course of the itch. I'll give it a shot next time I get exposed, probably this weekend /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

Details to follow /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[GlueGuy]

Steve,

Sounds like you & I are similar in our reactions. I did get a case last year when I was digging out some bacharus (AKA coyote bush), and didn't notice till I got in the middle that there was a little PO poking up through the middle. I had my face in it at the time /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif. I did the usual cleanup, but it had apparently gotten into my eyes /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif... That was not a pleasant week.

The GlueGuy

 

[Rch]

I have a patient who is an avid bow hunter who tangled with poison ivy unbeknownst to himself. While out in the woods he urinated several times. Boy, was he in agony the next day ! That will sharpen your avoidance skills.

RCH

 

[Boondox]

The resin that causes the itching isn't destroyed by fire. I well remember one year I cut down and burned a s***load of the stuff. The plant had the last laugh, though; the smoke was full of the chemical and I got it BAD!

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[JayinNH]

Rob,
I highly recommend Rhuli Gel. It is a clear liquid that is very powerful against Bug bites and Poison Ivy. I get poison ivy if someone nearby is burning. I went tio the hospital on Sunday Because I had it so bad.I figured out that I got the ivy oil on me from the rake. I was cleaning the roots off the tines The next day my right eye was swollen shut , Nose and most of my body covered. They gave me prednisone. I usually visit the doctors once every 4 or so years with a bad case of poison ivy. I have never heard of Zanfel but I will look for it.
Thanks and be CAREFUL!
Jason

 

[GlueGuy]

I can second the opinion on RhuliGel. My wife & I found it several years ago, and have been very happy with the way it works. It's a clear gel, with a not-unpleasant scent. Works real well at releaving the "itch". Doesn't make you look like a zombi when you have it on your face/arms/etc.

The GlueGuy

 

[ecard]

I just purchased some Zanfel last night and followed the directions ($24 for 1 oz tube at Kroger). I can already tell a difference. A am not applying it to one area (I have plenty of affected areas to spare) to see if there is really any benefit. It does stop itching completely for about 12 hours after a shower. It has a grity texture and feels real good when applied. I will sacrifice myself for the sake of medical science. Or just stay the hell out of the stuff.

Eric

 

[Phred]

For those of us that get it bad, rubbing alcohol is the key.

If you even think that you may have come into contact with something that has three leaves and a green stem and somewhat vine like, rinse off with rubbing alcohol. The plant oil is soluble in alcohol but not in water. That’s why if you wash with soap and water you just spread it around.

Alcohol is also cheap.

Phred

P.S. if you catch it fast enough you do not have to put up with the itch!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Phred on 05/03/01 01:29 AM (server time).</FONT></P>