I found this board immensely helpful, so thought I'd share my experience and eventual success. At 38yrs old, I've been contaminated by the "devils plant" many times in my life...mostly as a kid though. I know what to avoid by now. But when dayhiking w/ my 2 kids a few weeks ago, a few seeminly innocent black pugs came wandering in our path. As an animal lover, they of course needed to be petted. Unbeknownst to me though, they were secretly laced with Urushiol. I took a shower when I got home, but just regular bar soap and warm water...didn't suspect anything at that point.
I broke out on forearms, shins, back of my neck and a few streaks on my face. The worst reaction I've ever had. Here's my list of remedy attempts:
Benadryl = helped a little to keep itch away
Ivy Dry = helped a little/didn't use long enough to know if it helped "dry out" the rashes.
Zanfel = Very temporary relief. I think the hot water I used with it likely did more. Very costly.
Epsom Salt Bath = HIGHLY recommend. I read about this when I got chiggers last summer. IT WORKS!!!!! Use as hot as you can stand water. Soak 10-20 minutes. Pad dry. Relief guaranteed for 4-8hrs.
Prednisone shot = DO IT. Don't futz around w/ trying this and that, unless you know it works. Itching and redness started going away 12hrs later. Prescribed a 6 day Prednisone pill regimen. I'm kicking myself for not going to the doctor earlier.
Hope this helps a bit.
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