Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I live in Central California and our rural property is covered in poison oak. Due to having to clear land for wildfire season, I have no choice but to work in it. I am very sensitive to poison oak, but have worked now for 6 weekends with no symptoms, after having had some bad run-ins. Here is what I do: Before dressing: put something on my skin to help keep the oil from bonding in case it gets through. I actually use waterproof sunscreen, even on areas which will be under clothing, in case any oil gets through. Dress well: I wear ordinary sneakers, with two pairs of heavy socks. I wear two layers of pants: a pair of cotton warmups underneath some fatigue-type pants. A long-sleeve cotton shirt. For gloves, I bought the heavy rubber chemical-resistant-type (facilitates cleanup) and the oil cannot soak through. Timing: If you "know" you are exposing yourself to poison oak, do not do it for more than 2-3 hours, just in case any gets through. Clean-up: The FIRST thing you should do is have a can of mineral spirits (paint thinner) and a rag. As others have noted, the oil is like a lacquer that dries on your skin and won't wash off with soap and water. Start by soaking the rag and cleaning any tools you used. I used to use Tecnu to clean my tools, but I realize that's not necessary, the paint thinner works just fine. Now wipe your gloves without taking them off. Next, wipe down your shoes. Pull off your shoes, then gloves before you go into the house. Next, go straight into the laundry room and as you undress, everything needs to go straight in. I have found that using ordinary detergent and hot water cleans everything just fine. Mix lights and darks, who cares, these are just your work clothes, right? Get into the shower and use the regular Tecnu cleanser. I rub it on my hands, arms, legs, and face. Let it sit for a minute, then add more and rub again. Rinse with cool water. Then shower as normal with hot water, using soap and water. If you got the poison oak oil on you and didn't get it all off the hot water will open your pores and you'll start to feel the burn/itch of the poison oak. Here is where you use the "Extreme" Tecnu Scrub. Use it anywhere this irritation is starting to happen. It will scrub the oil off of your skin, and then the symptoms will be gone within an hour. I have had 100% success avoiding symptoms since I started doing the above. It is amazing. BTW, I also like the Tecnu Calagel, whether for rash (though I haven't needed it any more) or for insect bites or cuts since it forms a skin protectant layer. One Final Caution: When working in poison oak, you should always assume you have gotten it on you. Before you take a break to eat, drink, or use the bathroom, wipe down your rubber gloves with paint thinner, then pull your gloves off and wash your hands with Tecnu cleanser. Hope this helps, I am also going to post this under the Tecnu cleanser product.