Have we
confused you? Do you wonder why should you use Tecnu Extreme Poison
Ivy Scrub instead of the old original standby, Tecnu Outdoor Skin
Cleanser? Don't feel like you are the only one. We get this
question a lot. Hopefully this post will clear it up for you.
If you are a poison ivy or oak sufferer, then you
probably know the rash is caused by your body's reaction to the
plant's oil, urushiol (pronounced ooh-roo-she-all). The key to
avoiding a poison ivy and oak rash to get this oil off of your skin
as soon as possible.
What is Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin
Cleanser?
Tecnu Original is a cosmetic skin cleanser that
removes urushiol from your skin. By washing with Tecnu
Original within 2-8 hours of exposure to the plants you can remove
urushiol.
What makes Tecnu Original different than
other soaps and cleansers?
- It unlocks the bond of urushiol with your skin. This will
effectively remove the oil to keep it from spreading.
- You can use Tecnu Original without water. Sometimes you are out
in the woods away from a sink or shower. You can wipe it on your
skin for two minutes and then wipe off with a cloth. This will
remove the oil until you can get to a shower.
- Tecnu Original can be used to remove urushiol from other
surfaces such as tools, equipment, clothing and even your pet's
fur. See our
How to Use Tecnu instructions.
- It can be used to remove other substances such as pitch and
tree sap.
What is Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy
Scrub?
Tecnu Extreme is an exfoliating scrub that removes
urushiol and treats your poison ivy or oak rash in one step. Unlike
Tecnu Original, it is an over-the-counter drug.
What makes Tecnu Extreme
unique?
- Like Tecnu Original, it unlocks the bond of urushiol with your
skin. However, the exfoliating beads, much like the texture of a
facial scrub, allow for a deeper cleanse.
- Tecnu Extreme contains a homeopathic anti-itch ingredient,
Grindelia robusta, to relieve the itching and burning of your rash.
Many people find that a second topical anti-itch medication is not
needed when using Tecnu Extreme.
- Since you only wash with Tecnu Extreme for 15 seconds, it
offers quick relief from your poison ivy or oak rash.
What should I use and when?
When you know you've been exposed to the plants, or at the first
sign of a rash, you can use either Tecnu Original or Tecnu Extreme
to remove urushiol. Which product application you prefer is
up to you.
For immediate itch relief, Tecnu Extreme may be a
better solution for you. If you have rash and you use Tecnu
Original, you will most likely need to apply a topical anti-itch
medication to relieve itching.
If your rash is continuing to spread, you are being
recontaminated with the plant's oil. Wash objects such as tools,
clothing, equipment and pet's fur with Tecnu Original.
If you are going to be out in the wilderness and
not around a water source, carrying Tecnu Original would be a
better choice since you can use it without water.
Hopefully, this clears up the difference between
the two cleansers. Feel free to post questions or comments
below.