Cost-effective post-exposure prevention of poison ivy dermatitis

Background Poison ivy (toxicodendron) dermatitis is the most common allergi c contact dermatitis in the USA. No studies have shown an effect of washing after a short period of time for the prevention of binding of urushiol to the skin. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of three different modes of postcontact prevention using a surfactant (Dial(R) ultra dishwashing soap), an oil-remo ving compound (Goop(R)), and chemical inactivation (a commercial product Te cnu(R)). Methods A consented, unsponsored, Volunteer experimental study on medical s tudents from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City. Ea ch subject served as his/her own control, comparing four 2.5-cm exposed squ ares on the inner aspect of the forearm, three of which were treated and on e untreated. Results Comparisons between the different agents were nonsignificant with P >0.05. Each treatment, however, was significantly improved over the untreat ed control. Conclusions Our study showed 70%, 61.8%, and 56.4% protection with Tecnu, G oop, and Dial, respectively, when compared to the positive control, or to t he possible maximum response, with a cost per ounce (in a local drug and au tomotive store) of $1.25, $0.07, and $0.07, respectively, for a decrease in protection that is nonsignificant.