Tecnu Original Poison Oak & Ivy Outdoor Skin Cleanser, 32 Fl Oz, First Step in Poison Ivy Treatment, Removes Rash Causing Oils from Skin, Gear, Clothing, Tools and Removes Skunk Odor from Dog Fur

While I was never allergic to poison Ivy in my youth three years ago, I had my first bout; it was savage. The doctor advised that from here on out, each episode would be stronger and worse… After trying a multitude of “solutions” (and none working) I was desperate enough to try TECNU OUTDOOR SKIN CLEANSER, which cost $32.00 for a 32 oz bottle ($1.00 per ounce). Ordinarily, I would not have even considered paying this much for this type of product. But, like I said, I was desperate! Well, IT WORKS. My land is covered with poison Ivy, poison oak; and, any other kind of poisonous plant that’s indigenous to Georgia.BEFORE I go outside, (after shaking up the bottle) I pour about a quarter size amount into the palm of my hand. I then, rub this all over and around my arm. I then repeat this process w/a new quarter size amount of liquid) for my other arm and each leg. For all areas, rub in really well. After being outside, working on my land all day (I was clearing it with a machete, so that you’ll understand how much in contact I was with all the plants) I came in and showered. Because I was being extra cautious, I reapplied the TECNU after my shower. (NOTE: The directions say apply immediately after exposure; I wasn’t taking chances)Since the first time of using this, I ONLY apply it BEFORE GOING OUTSIDE. I’ve been using this all summer long, daily. Each day, I am outside for at least eight hours a day (so you’ll its duration quality). I have NOT gotten/had ANY poison Ivy attacks since using this product. I would - and I will continue purchasing the TECNU OUTDOOR SKIN CLEANSER. Lastly, since purchasing this, I have only used up about a third of the bottle. Well worth its pricePRO’S:• stays on all day;• easy to apply;• ok to spray bug spray on top of it;• not sticky• no bad smells• can also be used for skunk oil; treesap/pitch(*)• can also be used on pets; clothing; tools (*)NOTE: (*) denotes that I have NOT personally tried. But, it is stated on bottle. (Unknown if stated on Amazon site.)CONS:• really, just the price. Despite being fairly costly, it IS the only product that has worked for me.I WOULD/WILL CONTINUE TO PURCHASE AND USE THIS PRODUCT. Having stated this, I would love it even more (and probably tap dance in the street) if TECNU opted to lower their price, (what with both my husband and I living solely off of his social security).FINSL WORD:IF YOU NEED IT, BUY IT; IT WORKS!

My partner swears by this to help avoid poison ivy and sumac when working in areas where it's overrun by such vines.Does it work? It seems to, though I wash obsessively whenever working in those areas.Don't expect a lather - it's a bit on the slimy side, to be frank. After exposure, I wash with another soap - a gritty one like GoJo works - then apply this and let it sit for a few minutes to any definitely (arms, hands, face, neck) and maybe (legs, chest, shoulders) exposed areas. Rinse clean, and another wash because I'm weird about substances left on my skin.Since using this I haven't had any reactions to poison ivy or poison sumac, despite working in areas where it took over.

Years ago, I accidentally grabbed a poison ivy vine when weeding. Went in the house and used this as directed. No poison ivy rash, and I am highly allergic. Since then, have used it successfully many times in similar situations. Also, my sister in law found it works great in removing skunk scent from her dogs after they got sprayed. She rubbed in into their coats and left it on for 10 min before rinsing; success!

Our dog has been sprayed by a skunk twice in his lifetime. The first time we tried the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/dish soap mix. After that - and two rounds of being taken to the groomers - we could be around him again, but he continued to smell when wet for six months. This morning he got sprayed again, but this time we immediately applied the technu cleaner directly to the spray spots, and what a difference! He’s still pretty stinky, but this stuff is amazing, able to remove the oil and cut the stink. He’s off to the groomers for a skunk treatment but we could actually stand next to him after applying the Tecnu and giving him that bath mixture. Awesome stuff!

I use this when I’m not sure if I’ve been exposed to poison ivy. When I am sure, I use Tecnu’s extreme version. This version is good also. Wash your entire body with it. Don’t be afraid to use a lot. Cool water is recommended but I use lukewarm water because I can’t be patient and adequately scrub my body in a cold shower. Scrub brushes are helpful to remove the Urushiol oil with this cleanser. You need to scrub hard to remove the oils! Be careful scrubbing hard if you’re treating an area that already has a rash. The rash area should be cleaned thoroughly with just firm pressure with your hand. Don’t scrub your rash hard. It will only lengthen and worsen the affected area. Scrub hard any skin possibly exposed to Urushiol. This is a moderately priced version from Tecnu. It is much cheaper then a dermatologist visit + hydrocortisone cream (worthless) + calamine lotion (worthless) + Benadryl topical cream (worthless). Keep Tecnu in your bathroom closet especially if you may be exposed to poison ivy. I will never make the mistake again of not having it readily available. The sooner you apply it, the better chance you have of not developing a terrible rash. If you do develop a rash, use this to get rid of the oils left on your skin. Just because you develop a rash on one part of your skin it doesn’t mean that you won’t eventually develop it elsewhere. Urushiol has the same consistency as engine grease. Rub hard! Your rash will continue to spread unless you use this or Tecnu’s extreme version. Once a rash develops, prepare for a 2-3 week nightmare. Use this product or the extreme version (extreme is much more expensive) to reduce that rash time to a week or less! Don’t forget to thoroughly wash your clothes, any surfaces you may have touched, and your pets too! Dogs will run around in poison ivy and when you pet them you can be exposed! Good luck!

If used right after exposure it works really well. It won't help with if you already have symptoms of poison ivy.