Have you ever had a rash from poison ivy, oak or sumac and had no idea how such a thing could have happened? You backtrack through your last few days of events. It just doesn't make sense how you could have possibly come in contact with a poison plant. Well, you could be a victim of secondary contamination.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash are caused by a substance called urushiol. Urushiol is a resinous oil that is found on all parts of these plants including the stems, leaves, and roots whether the plants are alive or dead. It is your body's allergic reaction to urushiol that causes the miserable, itching rash, and the severity of the rash will vary depending on your immune system. Because urushiol is an oily substance, it can adhere to many objects and be difficult to wash away. When you come in contact with these objects, you pick up the urushiol and it can turn into a rash.

Here is a list of items that may come in contact with urushiol and instructions to help you remove the rash-causing oil using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser.

	SKIN: Use Tecnu Original within a few hours of exposure to help remove poison oak and ivy oil (urushiol) before rash begins. Once the rash has started, wash with Tecnu Original to help remove oils on skin allowing the healing process to begin without recontamination.
	TOOLS: Urushiol oils clinging to tools and equipment can cause rash. Clean equipment with a cloth saturated with Tecnu Original (check an inconspicuous corner of the equipment for possible surface damage before use). Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
	CLOTHING: Saturate contaminated, unwetted clothing with Tecnu Original in a bucket or dishpan (First check for color fastness by testing a concealed corner of the fabric). Let soak for several minutes. Launder clothing by itself as usual with detergent and hot water.
	PETS: Dogs, cats, horses and other furry pets can become contaminated by urushiol oil and can transfer poison oil to owners without being affected themselves. Saturate a cloth with Tecnu Original and wipe down the pet's coat. Then follow with a pet shampoo and water bath.

Bonus Tip! Tecnu Original removes skunk oil too!

SKUNK: If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, saturate a cloth with Tecnu Original and wipe down the pet's coat. Then follow with a pet shampoo and warm water rinse. DO NOT LEAVE TECNU ON FUR. IT MUST BE COMPLETELY WASHED OFF WITH SHAMPOO AND WATER