Consumers Pharmacist Info Outdoor Workers Outdoor Skin Cleanser Common household pets usually don't suffer from the allergic reaction that causes the contact dermatitis induced by posion oak, ivy or sumac. But they are one of the more common ways you can contract it, while wondering how on earth you were exposed. Gardening equipment is commonly contaminated when used for cutting out unidentified plant material. Pets can carry the plant oil on their fur and may contaminate you when you touch them. Don't forget your shoes or boots - use Tecnu cleanser and a brush.
Contaminants can be an ongoing hazard.
The plant oil does not evaporate and can persist for a year or longer in soil or on contaminated objects. Left unwashed, skin will erupt into a red, itchy rash in 3 out of 4 people within 12 to 72 hours. Urushiol can also be picked up second-hand from contaminated clothes, pets, or tools. Other products simply cover up the oil, while Tecnu cleanser cleanses the poison plant oil that causes the rash. Used within 2 to 8 hours, Tecnu cleanser can remove urushiol before the rash begins.