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Frequently Asked Questions
How does IvyBlock lotion protect me from poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
Easily. When applied to your skin prior to contact, the active ingredient in IvyBlock (Bentoquatam) serves as a barrier that blocks the allergenic oil (urushiol) in these poisonous plants from reaching your skin and starting the development of the rash.
Does IvyBlock lotion require a prescription?
No, IvyBlock is an over-the-counter (OTC) product and requires no prescription. It is available at drug stores nationwide and safety departments in select companies across the country.
How do I use IvyBlock lotion and when should it be applied?
IvyBlock is applied to the skin before risk of exposure. It should be applied to clean, dry skin at least 15 minutes before exposure risk. Re-application is recommended after 4 hours to maintain the maximum level of protection. Emergency workers who do not wash off IvyBlock do not need to reapply if it is inconvenient.
| Product Type | Ointments, Lotions, Sprays |
Know Your Enemy
What Is, And What Causes, Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy, oak and sumac plants are the single most common cause of allergic skin reactions in the United States. They are caused by contact with urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol), which is found in the sap of the plants. It is a colorless or pale yellow oil that oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves. The oil is active year round.
Contact with urushiol can occur in three ways: direct, indirect and airborne particles. Direct contact is touching the sap of the toxic plant, while indirect contact involves touching something which has urushiol on it, such as the animal fur, clothes, boots, garden tools, sporting or camping gear or any items that have come in contact with the plant (including your hands). Airborne urushiol particles, such as burning plants or spray from a weed whacker, may also contact the skin or be inhaled, causing internal inflammation.
Top 10 Myths About Poison Ivy
Myth #1: Scratching poison ivy blisters will spread the rash.
Fact: The rash is caused by the urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac and is not spread by the fluid in the blisters. If you have the urushiol oil on your hands and you scratch your nose or wipe your forehead, you may spread the oil and hence the rash. Avoid excessive scratching and make sure your fingernails and hands are clean.
Myth #2: Poison ivy rash is “contagious.”
Fact: The rash is a reaction to urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac. The rash cannot pass from person to person, but urushiol can be spread by contact.
Myth #3: Once allergic, always allergic to poison ivy.
Fact: A person's sensitivity to urushiol changes over time, and even from season to season. People who were sensitive to poison ivy as children may not be allergic as adults and vice versa.
What Is, And What Causes, Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy, oak and sumac plants are the single most common cause of allergic skin reactions in the United States. They are caused by contact with urushiol (you-ROO-shee-ol), which is found in the sap of the plants. It is a colorless or pale yellow oil that oozes from any cut or crushed part of the plant, including the roots, stems and leaves. The oil is active year round.
Contact with urushiol can occur in three ways: direct, indirect and airborne particles. Direct contact is touching the sap of the toxic plant, while indirect contact involves touching something which has urushiol on it, such as the animal fur, clothes, boots, garden tools, sporting or camping gear or any items that have come in contact with the plant (including your hands). Airborne urushiol particles, such as burning plants or spray from a weed whacker, may also contact the skin or be inhaled, causing internal inflammation.
Top 10 Myths About Poison Ivy
Myth #1: Scratching poison ivy blisters will spread the rash.
Fact: The rash is caused by the urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac and is not spread by the fluid in the blisters. If you have the urushiol oil on your hands and you scratch your nose or wipe your forehead, you may spread the oil and hence the rash. Avoid excessive scratching and make sure your fingernails and hands are clean.
Myth #2: Poison ivy rash is “contagious.”
Fact: The rash is a reaction to urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac. The rash cannot pass from person to person, but urushiol can be spread by contact.
Myth #3: Once allergic, always allergic to poison ivy.
Fact: A person's sensitivity to urushiol changes over time, and even from season to season. People who were sensitive to poison ivy as children may not be allergic as adults and vice versa.
