[cowgirlup]

Originally Posted by Camdor

Actually, exposure increases immunity. There are many confirmed cases where people have developed increased immunity and/or tolerance to venom by injecting themselves with gradually more potent doses over a period of time.

As with anything like this, it depends on your own personal metabolism, health, body make-up and various other factors.

I just figure I'd end up with some kind of bad internal poison ivy!!!!

[Camdor]

Originally Posted by cowgirlup

I just figure I'd end up with some kind of bad internal poison ivy!!!!

OWIE!!!!!! Now THAT would seriously suck rocks!!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Look for Jewelweed in the same type area as Poison Ivy is found. It is a natural remedy for it.
As for the plantain I have two different types on my property, Broad leaved and narrow(Lance?) leaved. Just guessing but there is probably 15 lbs. of it here.

[Unswydd]

Yes, Jewelweed is suppost to cure it.
I've still got it. It woke me up several times in the middle of the night scratching. I'm going plantain hunting now.

[NightShade]

As poco said, jewelweed is a great natural remedy... Also any tannin rich wash such as the byproduct from boiling acorns works better than plantain IMO... Another very good source of tannin is the fuzz on cinnamon fern fiddleheads... Tho good luck finding them this time of year! (least in my neck of the woods).... One more remedy I kno is takin a dip in the ocean to soak it in the salt water.. Tho that probably doesn't help you... Sorry bro! Hope it clears up quick!

[cowgirlup]

So, how did you get rid of your poison ivy?
Just curious what worked...

[snowshoe67]

I 've use jewelweed before and worked well. poison ivy crazy stuff my wife finds it each year.

[Mephistopheles]

Always carry a bar of old fashion soap to wash the oils sap off your skin...lightly..DO NOT RUB WITH FORCE TO REMOVE IT !!!! if you redden your skin rubbing to wash it off then you are likely forcing it into your skin deeper.
The blisters do not spread it...the plant oil causes the rash and that oil is really tough to remove...kinda like pinion grease or worse....sap.

Somethings i've found that work good at cleaning the oil off is:
Gas
kerosene
Lye soap
motor oils
laundry/dish detergent
ladies make-up remover works well but pricey.

Hot compresses ease the itching.....for a short while. I've never found anything that really works once there is a rash as far as the itching...7-10 days later and it's all but gone.

I always wash my clothing two or three times if I suspect it's been contaminated...and my backpack, biv sack ect....I got it this year, next year or two I won't get it for some reason...always found that odd. My brother gets it just by looking at a photo of it LOL and always gets these ugly water blisters.

Another thing to do is wash your dog twice if you take your pet with you out there!!!!

[Unswydd]

Originally Posted by cowgirlup

So, how did you get rid of your poison ivy?
Just curious what worked...

Since I got it so late in the year there was no Jewelweed around. I got it while making my debris shelter.
I used Calomine lotion and alcohol pads, I used clear nail polish. The polish was probably the only thing that kept me from itching it as it cut off the air to it. I just had to let it run its course this time. I'll be better prepared next year as I WILL get it again. LOL
I don't carry a bar of soap around so that wouldn't work. I will just have to be more careful.

[Knife Nut]

Eating some of the small leaves in the spring works for some. Make sure to use something like tweezers to handle the leaves. Make SURE it doesnt touch your lips. Once in your mouth, saliva, then stomach acids take care of it.