Q: Can I use Tecnu with Cortisone 10 or other salves/ointments?

Do not physically MIX Tecnu & other medications, this may cause irritation or reaction. Always use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser and other products separately. When using other medications, cleanse with regular soap before applying Tecnu. Thoroughly rinse Tecnu before applying any other medications.

Question 1

After exposure to poison ivy oil, should I take a shower or a bath with Tecnu Original?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

It is best to use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser in the shower. Tecnu Original bonds with the urushiol to remove it from the skin, and in the shower, the urushiol will wash down the drain with the water. In a bathtub however, the oil can disperse into the water and possibly spread to other areas of your body.

Question 2

Can I add water to Tecnu Original poison oak cleanser to make it last longer?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is designed to be used full strength. To use, apply the cleanser directly to the skin (or item being cleaned) without adding water. Rub vigorously for 2 minutes into the affected area and then follow up by rinsing with water or wiping off with a cloth. If water is mixed with Tecnu Original before application, it will be diluted and not effective.

If you are looking for a cleanser to use with water, while taking a shower for instance, we recommend using Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub which is designed to be used with water.

Question 3

Can I apply Tecnu before possible contact with poison ivy?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

No, using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser before exposure to poison ivy will not help prevent the rash. Tecnu Original is a cleanser that is formulated to unlock the urushiol bond with your skin so you have to use afterward to wash off the poison ivy oil.

Question 4

Can I take Benadryl orally after using Tecnu?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cosmetic cleanser that does not contain an active drug ingredient that would interfere with taking an oral antihistamine such as Bendaryl.

Question 5

Can I use Tecnu if I'm pregnant or nursing?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Yes, however, consult your physician first. During pregnancy you are more likely to develop allergies, so use with caution. Nursing mothers should thoroughly rinse Tecnu Original from their skin.

Question 6

Can I use Tecnu on my face or near my eyes?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on your face, but use at your discretion. Tecnu is a detergent, and if you have sensitive skin, irritation may occur. Definitely do not use Tecnu near your eyes.

Question 7

Can I use Tecnu with Cortisone 10 or other salves/ointments?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Do not physically MIX Tecnu & other medications, this may cause irritation or reaction. Always use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser and other products separately. When using other medications, cleanse with regular soap before applying Tecnu. Thoroughly rinse Tecnu before applying any other medications.

Question 8

Can Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser be used sooner than 2 hours after exposure?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

The sooner you remove urushiol from your skin the better as the poison ivy and oak rash is caused by your body's reaction to the bond of the plant's oil to your skin. Everyone's body is different so some people react to urushiol sooner than others which is why we have a time range on there. We have found that, for most people, it is best to remove the oil within 2-8 hours of exposure.

Question 9

Can Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser remove tree sap from a car?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

When using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on items such as clothing, fabric, or painted surfaces, we recommend spot testing in an inconspicuous area first to test for color-fastness. Apply Tecnu Original to the test area, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe down with a cloth saturated in water.

Question 10

Do you sell Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser in gallon size for laundry?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is not available in a one-gallon size at this time. The largest we make is a 32oz.

Question 11

Does Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser expire?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu is a cleanser and does not have an expiration date. However if you notice it is turning a yellowish or brown color, it is no longer good and you should replace it. Be sure to shake Tecnu Original before using.

Question 12

Does Tecnu Original require rinsing?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser can be used without water. Shake the bottle well, wipe the product on the area where you need to remove urushiol, and then wipe off with a cloth.

Question 13

How do I remove poison oak oil from my dog?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

The problem with dogs running through poison oak is that the oil will stay on their fur until it is removed. The only way to prevent having to clean your dog daily would be to keep her from coming in contact with the plants in the first place, such as keeping her close on a leash or taking a different path that does not contain poison oak. To remove the oil, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser. Saturate a cloth with Tecnu Original and wipe down her coat. Follow up with a pet shampoo and water. You want to make sure to remove all of the Tecnu so that she doesn't lick her fur and ingest it.

Question 14

How does Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser work to remove urushiol?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu breaks the bond that the poisonous oil makes with the proteins in our skin, it does not break it down, chemically into inert substances. It may be possible that some of the oil residue could reside where you rinse off, but we have never tested that theory. We have never heard of anyone becoming re-contaminated from such exposure.

Question 15

How many times do I wash with Tecnu Original?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser removes the urushiol from your skin the first time you use it. You can repeat use to remove any urushiol you missed or to remove any urushiol oils that you have come in contact with after the first use.

Question 16

How many times per day can I use Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Original is a skin cleanser that is safe to use as often as you would like. However, if it starts drying out your skin or irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Question 17

How much Tecnu Original poison ivy cleanser do I use?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Enough for it to stay very wet when rubbing on skin for a couple of minutes.

Question 18

I already have a rash, is it too late to use Tecnu Original?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cleanser that removes the oil that causes poison ivy and oak rash. At this point, you are better off using a product with an anti-itch medication to relieve your itching.

Question 19

I used Tecnu in a steam shower, can it get into my lungs?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Anything that can be carried along with steam has the potential to be breathed into the lungs. It's always advised to use Tecnu Original in a cool shower to keep from opening the skin's pores.

Question 20

Is it okay to use Tecnu on genitals?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Use it at your discretion! Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a detergent, genitals are very sensitive, and irritation may occur.

Question 21

Is Tecnu Original safe to use on my children?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Yes, Tecnu Original is safe to use on your children when used according to directions. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area after use to ensure that any residue has been washed away.

Question 22

Should I wash my poison ivy rash with Tecnu Original?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Follow the directions on the label for "As Soon as Rash Appears:"
1. Rub Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on affected skin & surrounding areas. Avoid breaking skin.
2. Rinse off with cool running water (not a bath) to remove Tecnu & poison oils.

Question 23

Tecnu's label says it can't be used with hydrocortisone for 3 days, why?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

You can use Tecnu Original before using a hydrocortisone ointment. Just make sure to wait at least 3 days after using a hydrocortisone ointment, before using Tecnu.

The reason is that the use of hydrocortisone thins the skin, allowing any topical application to the skin to penetrate more readily. If you are slightly sensitive to a detergent, like Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, it will aggravate the skin more quickly and severely.

Question 24

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

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

See first aid measures on page 2 on the Safety Data Sheet for Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser.

Question 25

When I wash with Tecnu, should I use hot or cold water?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

For the initial wash with Tecnu after exposure to poison oak or poison ivy, it is best to use cold water. Hot water opens the pores, which can allow the urushiol to penetrate deeper, possibly increasing your chances of developing a rash.

Question 26

Why did I get a poison oak & ivy rash after using Tecnu?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

If the poisonous oil has already penetrated the epidermal layer of the skin and bonded to the deeper skin cells, it's too late to stop the reaction from occurring. The benefit of using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is if there is still urushiol oil on the top layer of skin, Tecnu will remove it and prevent further contamination.

Question 27

Why did my poison oak rash turn a deep red color after using Tecnu Original?

stoute_paul · Accepted Answer

Keep in mind that the body grows new skin underneath the blistered area. This new skin area is usually a dark red and even looks bruised on some individuals depending on skin type. This difference in coloring blends in a few weeks and doesn't leave permanent marks.

Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser