Poison Ivy or exposure to fresh cut grass?

Just curious, this is weird. My dog escaped and I tramped through some poison ivy before catching her. When I caught up with her, I kneeled down on the neighbors fresh cut lawn. About 15 minutes later, my legs were itchy and covered in red lines and speckles that were beginning to puff up. I went upstairs and washed them with dish detergent to get the plant oils off of me.


I am now completely fine and there is no trace whatever of any irritation. I have been exposed to poison ivy in the past with no rash and only got it once where one of the kids stepped on my arm really hard. However, grass has made me a little bit itchy in the past as well. Obviously I come into contact with grass pretty often though.


So, did I save myself from poison ivy by washing with the detergent or was it just from the grass?

Poison Ivy or exposure to fresh cut grass?
A quick reaction like that sounds like grass. Poison ivy can take up to 24 hours to show.
Reply:It's hard to say exactly what the detergent got rid of. I have serious reactions anytime I'm in contact with poison ivy. Zanfel cream, though expensive, clears it up almost immediately.


As far as the grass goes, remove clothes immediately and wash them separately from unexposed clothing. Take a shower, not a bath, asap using lukewarm water. Do not use bar soap as allergens can be redeposited. Instead, use liquid soap or none at all. After the shower, pat yourself dry and apply a topical ointment such as Vanicream (available at the pharmacy counter, w/o a prescription). If you're still irritated, take some Benadryl and avoid contact with the grass for a day or two.