Hi Roberta,
The most effective means of prevention is avoidance. By educating yourself about what the plants look like and how the urushiol oil can come in contact with your skin, you are well on your way to preventing a rash. I should be knocking on wood here but I've done some risky things to get pictures for this website (I have a bunch more to put online) and have yet to get a rash (I am highly allergic!). I am comforted though in my knowledge of the plant and the oil.
As for the deodorant - there is some research to support this of course it comes with a few "buts". First here's some light reading:
MotherNature.com
Apparently, most spray deodorants contain an organoclay which has been found to prevent urushiol oil from bonding with the skin. The most famous product, IvyBlock, itself has an organoclay as the primary ingredient. You'll need to spray self, clothes, pets, etc. Do not spray and then expect that you have the miracle cure. What if you missed a spot? What if you are sweating or wipe off some of the deodorant? Again, education and prevention are your best bets here for prevening an outbreak.
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