Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub

Q: Are there any side effects from the use of Tecnu Extreme?

There are no known side effects of Tecnu Extreme .

Product Description

Why do poison ivy and oak plants cause my skin to break out? You can thank urushiol, the resin found in all parts of poison ivy, poison oak, & poison sumac plants. To get rid of a poison ivy or oak rash, you have to remove the urushiol to allow the skin to begin it's natural healing process.

If you suspect, or know you have been, in contact with poison ivy plants, we recommend using Tecnu Extreme as an all over body wash. Mix the product with a small amount of water and gently scrub affected areas. Tecnu Extreme will gently exfoliate the skin and effectively remove poison ivy oil. If necessary, follow-up with a poison ivy rash treatment for itching and pain.

TIP: The sooner you can wash with a poison ivy soap (like Tecnu Extreme) after exposure to these poison plants, the better chance you have of avoiding the rash. The rule of thumb is to wash within 8 hours, after that time frame, its likely the resin has already been absorbed by your body.

Note: We realize our product has a funny name (see the Tecnu Original page for details about its origin), and it's likely you've seen it misspelled as Tech Nu or Technu Poison Ivy Scrub.

Warnings:
CAUTION: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

For external use only. Do not use on raw or oozing areas of skin. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor. Keep out of eyes.

Directions for use:
Wet affected area with cool water. Squeeze desired amount of product into hand. Apply to exposed areas and gently rub for 15 seconds; if hypersensitive, wash entire body with Tecnu Extreme. Rinse with cool running water and towel dry. Repeat as needed.

Ingredients:
Water, polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether, polysorbate 20, alcohol, silicon dioxide, carbomer, grindelia robusta extract, benzethonium chloride, aminomethyl propanol, fragrance

Are there any side effects from the use of Tecnu Extreme?

There are no known side effects of Tecnu Extreme.

Can I use Tecnu Extreme on my clothing like Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser?

Tecnu Extreme is an exfoliating scrub that works well on your skin, but we do not recommend using it on clothing and shoes as it is a different consistency than original Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser. If you are having difficulty finding original Tecnu in a local store, you can purchase it online at our website. We even have a larger 32 oz size not available in most drug stores.

Can I use Tecnu Extreme on my scalp?

Yes, you can use Tecnu Extreme on your scalp, but, use at your discretion, Tecnu Extreme is a detergent, and if you have sensitive skin, an irritation may occur. Definitely do not use Tecnu Extreme near your eyes.

Can Tecnu Extreme poison ivy scrub remove other irritants from gardening?

While it hasn't been tested specifically on other plant irritants, it makes sense to wash them off the skin as soon as possible with some kind of cleanser so it might as well be Tecnu Extreme.

Can Tecnu Extreme reduce swelling from poison ivy rash?

Tecnu Extreme can remove the rash causing oil and help dry up the rash, but it doesn't contain an antihistamine which may help to reduce swelling caused by an allergic reaction.

Do you use Tecnu Extreme before or after the poison ivy rash appears?

Tecnu Extreme can be used before or after the rash begins. If used after exposure to the plants, it will remove the rash-causing oil from poison ivy and oak plants. If used after the rash begins, it can remove the oil to help prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body.

How many times can you apply Tecnu Extreme poison ivy scrub?

There is no set limit to how many times you can apply Tecnu Extreme.

Is it ok to use the Tecnu Extreme on female genitalia?

Tecnu Extreme contains exfoliating beads that could irritate sensitive areas, therefore we would not recommend using it on genitals. We would also encourage you to speak to a medical professional for an appropriate course of treatment for that area of the body.

Is Tecnu Extreme poison ivy scrub drying out my skin?

Yes, if you wash repeatedly with Tecnu Extreme it may be drying your skin. Discontinue washing with Tecnu Extreme and apply a moisturizing lotion to the area. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) may be good to put on it as well.

If you have been washing with Tecnu Extreme, the urushiol should be gone and therefore your rash should not spread anymore. If you find your rash does spread, then you are coming in contact with the poison ivy or oak plant's oil (urushiol) again. Urushiol can stay on surfaces such as tools, clothing, pets fur, etc. for a very long time. You may need to decontaminate those items as well.

What are "natural microbeads" in Tecnu Extreme poison ivy scrub?

As of 2016, Tecnu Extreme no longer contains polyethylene beads, instead they have been replaced with silicon dioxide. This new ingredient is more environmentally friendly, and works just as well to exfoliate the skin.

What if Tecnu Extreme gets in my eyes, is ingested, or inhaled?

See the Material Safety Data Sheet form.

Why does my poison ivy rash ooze after using Tecnu Extreme?

It is not uncommon for a poison ivy or oak rash to blister and ooze during the healing process. That is actually formed by your own body and has nothing to do with the cleanser. When the blisters break and ooze you want to make sure that you are keeping them clean and if you cover them use a loose bandage.

Why does Tecnu Extreme poison ivy scrub say to rinse with cool water?

Cool water is recommended for the first wash with Tecnu Extreme so that the chances of your pores opening up, and absorbing the rash-causing oil, urushiol are lessened. Cool water keeps pores closed, while warm/hot water opens them up.

Why should Tecnu Extreme not be used on severe, draining rashes?

In the case of a severe, draining rash, we recommend seeking care from a medical provider for proper treatment.

15 reviews for Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub

Rated 5 out of 5

Debbi Self (verified owner) – July 6, 2016

I have used Tecnu products for at least 15 years, being EXTREMELY allergic to Poison Ivy, and spending a good portion of all my summers in the woods of Wisconsin, these products have been life savers!! I frequently ended up in the emergency room before discovering this product. SInce I can truthfully say that I have never been in the ED or even at my MD for poison ivy! Thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5

BRENDA LOVELL (verified owner) – May 26, 2015

I break out in a terrible rash when I even get close to poison ivy or oak. Most time I have to go get shots and predison. My son got this product from where he worked. Constuction worker used this medicine and told him to have me try it. This was 3 yrs ago I haven't had a rash since I started using this. I tell everybody about it. Has to be the best product ever. Thank you so much. Brenda Lovell
Rated 5 out of 5

DJrider (verified owner) – October 3, 2013

Have used this stuff for several years and it for sure works. Don't be caught without it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Betty Kelly (verified owner) – June 25, 2013

I received Tecnu Extreme as a test product with StuffStuff. I am a person who is extremely allergic to poison oak/ivy and is always looking for something that will help with the allergic reaction. I've found it, thanks to Tecnu Extreme. This is a great product and really works.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jeff Sorge (verified owner) – October 24, 2011

I was riding my mountain bike when I was asked to help with trail maintenance. As I was shoveling and weeding, an older gentleman rode up and asked me if knew what I was standing in. Without hesitations I shouted..OMG, tell me it's not the P-IVY.. Here, as I was working so hard I failed to pay attention that I was working in.... HEAVY IVY... I began to almost cry!!!! I can look at Ivy from across the field and without any contact, I am at the doctors and in BAD SHAPE for a month. The gentleman open his bag on his bike and handed me a sample of tenu Extreme. I rode back to civilization. found the first hose and began scrubbing with extreme. I HAVE NO BREAK OUT!!!!! I will NEVER be in the woods again with a few single packets of extreme.. Thanks you SO much for a product that saves folks like us from MONTHS of horror each year!! And I mean HORROR!!!!