North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Doc Lisenby" <longdistshtr@shtc.net>]

Jim, I suspect that the scratch and vinegar treatment acts mechanically the 
same as the sandpaper/pot scrubber and strong alkaline soap.  The surfactant 
effect of soap and vinegar probably act similarly. Urushiol, the active 
allergen, is a mixture of nonvolatile hydrocarbons (oil) and is probably 
emulsified or saponified by the alkalinity or acidity of soap or acetic 
acid.  May be magical chemistry buffering or neutralization but I doubt it.
As another off-topic note, some people respond to laquerware from the sap of 
the Asiatic Lacquer Tree, another member of the Rhus family.
Doc


"Doc,
   I sent this to Tanis privately when, it seems I should have sent it to
the group:

Tanis,
   When I get poison Ivy, I dip my fingers into vinegar, then using those 
vinegary fingers, I scratch the blisters open. Follow that by rubbing in
some more vinegar and the rash begins healing immediately.

Jim Fruth"