Jewelweed is not effective for all folks. Some can slather it all day to
no avail.
It also is not always available when poison ivy is contacted (the woody
parts and roots are as bad as the leaves. I recently treated a horrid case
the neighbor got in Feb from burning an area of alders where there was a
lot of poison ivy growing; the fire melted down through the snow and enough
oil apparently made it into the smoke to be a real problem for 2 of the 3
guys watching the fire. James' idea of freezing it works nicely but not a
lot of help if one hasn't it ready when needed.
Hopefully you won't get it, or if you do, will be after Jewelweed comes
up. If you should get it before then the best thing is homeopathic rhus
tox, taken as indicated on the bottle. Works indeed faster and better than
steroids, and without the difficulties inherent with steriod
use. Furthermore, something like 8$ for a vial of it and lasts for a long
time, as\nd saves charge for office, or worse---ER, visit.
Susan Jane, in Maine, where the snow is melting slowly and coons, skunks,
and 'pines are beginning to move about.