Poison Ivy Cure?

If you spoke to my husband and asked him the #1 thing he hates about living in the country I'm sure he would tell you that it is his non-stop poison ivy.  In the spring and summer it seems that it never goes away.  He gets it on his arms and legs mostly, but has had it a few other places.  Here is a picture of his leg after his poison ivy reaction.  Keep in mind that this usually last a couple of weeks and this pic doesn't even show it at it's worst. 

Whenever he works outside he has to come in and go straight to the shower to make sure he washes off all of the oils from the plant.  I'm sure the shower helps, but we have read online that you have to wash it off within 15 minutes of exposure.  This rarely happens.  Then, after the shower we have to wash his clothes and towel to make sure no lingering oils are left on anything because he can still react to it if the oils from his clothing touch his skin.  Even though he takes these precautions he still ends up getting it.  It seems like everyday he finds a new place that is itchy and red.  I feel awful for him.  I am not allergic and either are his parents.

I recently did some research and found out that Jewelweed (which normally grows next to the poison ivy plant) is a natural treatment for poison ivy.  There are even youtube videos out there of outdoorsman showing you what to do with it.  :o)  Anyway, I read a blog regularly by Tennessee Farm Girl (http://tnfarmgirl.blogspot.com/).  She makes her own soaps and tinctures (and even gives classes on how to do it yourself.  I searched her site and learned that she makes a Jewelweed soap and salve.  I bought it right away and gave it to Kevan for his birthday.  Everytime he comes in he washes with the soap.  It has been two weeks and he has not had an outbreak yet.  Yay!

Also, I invested in these for times when he does not have a shower readily available.  He's only used them once or twice so far so I can't really comment yet on whether they work.



I'll update you in a few months and let you know how he's doing.  Tennessee Farm Girl might've developed a cure for my hubby!  Thank you farm girl!!