| Unfortunately, the vines will have to be handled at some point, even if you kill it first with Jeff's suggestion. Before you start removing the vines, go to your local drug store or Wal Mart and get some stuff called Technu. It's a product to bind any poison ivy oils that may have gotten on your skin. When you remove the vines, wear gloves and long sleeves. Long pants too. Tie back your hair to keep it from touching the vines, and also to keep you from brushing it back with contaminated hands while you work. Be careful not to touch your skin at any time with your gloves or any other clothing that has been exposed. As soon as you are done, strip off all your clothes and wash them in hot water. (I usually wash mine a second time, just to be sure.) Then, immediately use the Technu, and treat any areas you even think might have been exposed. Face, neck, wrists and arms, etc. Heck, treat your whole body just to be sure. Shower afterwards. I'm very allergic to poison ivy, and have even been to the ER with severe breakouts. But a few years ago someone recommended Technu to me, and I've never had a breakout if I've used Technu immediately after exposure. In a pinch, if you've been exposed to poison ivy and don't have Technu handy, wash with liquid dish detergent (such as Dawn) and hot water. Don't use regular soap, because it just pushes the oils around on your skin and can actually make things worse. You want a detergent that will cut the oils and wash them away. One last thing... wash your tools with detergent and hot water, including the handles. The poison ivy oils will remain on them if you don't, and you could end up contaminating yourself again, even months later. Wash your shoes too. And your hat. And anything else that might have come in contact with the vines. |
