Hi Chad,
For what it's worth, I'm am just now getting over poison ivy with a pretty severe case. The first I've ever had. I have the bruised areas as well, but when I was feeling a lot better a couple of days ago I decided to go put "Round-Up" on the huge vine where I was exposed. I made sure I stayed two feet back and hosed it all down very good and wore gloves just in case. When I got back in the house I had a headache and my legs and arms were swollen twice the size and I felt sick. It only lasted a few minutes and then went away. My doctor told me that #1 - I had a severe case and there was still a lot of poison in my system reacting to the plant itself! I've never heard of such a thing. #2 - He told me that I was probably now SEVERLY allergic and that just being near the plant would cause me to swell. I asked if maybe it was a reaction to the "Round-up" from the spray. He said no.
Like you, I would like to know more information about this. Hey, if I swell getting around it, at least it will warn me to stop and look around before proceeding. I feel for you and I hope you are better. I understand what you are going through.
Mine was so sensitive that I reinfected myself by just sitting on my couch. I guess I came in the house with the same clothes on and sat down. I've never had it before so it was a learning experience and I definitely would have showered immediately had I known what I was getting into. I had to have my couch professionally cleaned because I didn't know I had contacted the plant and lived life as usual. The Urushiol oil got on the fabric of the couch and in the bed lines. I must be SUPER sensitive.
Take care
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