Tecnu Extreme

For all you campers and hikers out there, you all own a first aid kit, riiiight? Well you should have one, and it should be stocked with Tecnu Extreme cream. Tecnu Extreme is a poison ivy cream that can prevent you from ever getting it, or treat it once you have it.

Urushiol is the stuff that gets on your skin and causes you to itch. Tecnu Extreme, when used within 8 hours after exposure to the plants, can remove the urushiol thoroughly enough so that a person may be able to avoid the rash in the first place. If the rash has started, Tecnu Extreme can help stop the rash in its tracks and help with the itching.

The forest services use this, and so do landscapers, and others that work around foliage. It’s really easy to buy as you can find it in any drug store, or you can order it online here. So make sure to add this to your first aid kit!