Of course we all know the best way to avoid that miserable poison ivy rash is to avoid the plant - easier said than done! I know in our backyard I find new little plants popping up every spring in the most inconvenient places.

Through trial and miserable error I have discovered the easiest and most effective deterrent is to wash areas of skin that may have contacted the plant with RUBBING ALCOHOL.

Douse hands, arms, legs, feet, etc. with a splash of alcohol then wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry well. The rubbing alcohol breaks down the oils from the plant so that the soap and water can wash it away. This technique works much better than soap and water alone. A waterless, alcohol based hand cleaner gel is also effective at breaking down the oils.

I have found this method of washing very effective in preventing that dreaded itchy poison ivy rash.