After several weeks of several friends following my advice from my hub "How to Avoid Poison Oak", I've come up with a few more tricks that seem to work. They are taking a dip in a swimming pool, putting ice on the irritation, and being sure to rise off Technu & the like with cold water.

Rumor has it that if you take a swim after being exposed to poison oak, the chlorine will help eliminate or neutralize the oils. I haven't read any scientific evidence on this one, but have heard several anecdotal stories.

A few friends reporting that applying ice or and ice pack to the inflamed area will stop the itching every quickly, and feels great! I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to. Fortunately I have yet to get it again now that I clean off with Technu and cold water after each ride, then shower with dish soap (then regular soap) and use Zanfel at the earliest potential sign of a reaction. That makes for a lot of washing, but I'd rather wash than itch!

Lastly, if you do wash off immediately after your exposure to poison oak, I definitely recommend using cold water to do so. I believe that's even on the instructions for Technu. The idea is that if you rinse off with cold water your pores won't open up as much. Otherwise, if you use warm or hot water your pores will open up and you'll be more likely to absorb the Urushuiol, which is the oil in poison oak & poison ivy that causes the reaction.