Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub

There are no known side effects of Tecnu Extreme.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

See the Material Safety Data Sheet form.

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.

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.

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