Health
Tecnu
Defense against poison oak and ivy
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain the same allergic irritant: urushiol. This oily substance takes several hours to bind on the skin, whence it will start its maddening and contagious itch. The effects of the poisonous leaves can be seriously diminished by removing the urushiol oil before it binds. Tecnu is on over-the-counter solvent that dissolves the oil if you wash your exposed skin within 2-8 hours. Trials have shown it can prevent rashes 70-90 percent of the time. However any industrial strength oil-dissolving agent will greatly help (soap is not strong enough). A cheaper solution is Goop, the grease-monkeyís hand cleaner, or cheaper still, undiluted dishwashing liquid. Iíve lathered with these and then showered with good results. Tecnu, which is mostly de-odorized mineral spirits, works even better. Clinical trials demonstrate that Tecnu is slightly more effective than either of these alternatives and frankly, Iíd rather smear Tecnu on my face or arms than Goop. I wash contaminated clothes and tools in dishwasher liquid. If you donít get poison ivy/oak, God bless you.
Tecnu
Manufactured by Tec Labs, Albany OR 9731
800-ITCHING
Tecnu Poison Oak and Ivy Skin Cleanser
4 oz.
$5
Available from Walgreens