[pct-l] poison oak

[Jeffrey Olson]

There are a couple lotions you can put on before you enter poison oak.  
Ivy Block and StokoGard Outdoor Cream are reported to work.  On a 
section hike from Burney Falls to McCloud REservoir I used Ivy Block 
part of the time, and then just gave up because it was so hot and I 
sweat so much.  I didn't get it regardless.  I mastered the knee swing 
around plants stretching onto the trail searching for sun.  I met a 
couple at the Reservoir hiking south and they were so glad to hear that 
the section south of there wasn't too bad.  They said you couldn't help 
but get the stuff on you - interlaced on the trail.  Others may have 
stories from different years, worse or better depending on maintenance. 


1/4 ounce of urushoil is enough to cause a rash on every person on earth!!!


I read somewhere that if you don't wash off the urushoil within 15 to 20 
minutes it bonds to the skin.  This suggests prevention rather than 
treatment should be the focus. 


Regular soap doesn't get rid of urshoil.  I've read that when you think 
of poison oak oil think of pine sap.  Soap simply doesn't touch it.  One 
product that supposedly works is Tecnu Oak-n-Ivy Cleanser.  Fels Naptha 
soap doesn't work - it doesn't cut the oil. 


Jeff, just Jeff... 

>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Len Glassner [mailto:len5742 at gmail.com] 
>
>
> I've not had a run-in with poison oak, but I expect I may have an upcoming
> opportunity.  I see there are various products that remove the oil (some
> very expensive, some not), and others that address only the itching.  Any
> recommendations as to what to carry?  Try to remove the oil or just treat
> the itching?
>
>