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Calagel® Medicated Anti-itch Gel

Unlike pink runny calamine lotions, CalagelŽ Medicated Anti-itch Gel stays where you put it. The clear, hydrocortisone-free antihistamine gel dries quickly, leaving an invisible, anti-itch skin protectant shield on your tender skin. Calagel provides relief from the pain and itching associated with minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other skin irritations including poison ivy, oak and sumac rash.

When used with TecnuŽ Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, Calagel is highly effective in treating poison ivy, oak and sumac rash. Use Tecnu first to remove the rash causing oil, urushiol (oo-roo-she-all). After washing with Tecnu, apply Calagel to offer cooling relief to your inflamed, itchy rash.

Calagel is available in a 6 oz. bottle with a 2 oz. Tecnu, or single use packets.

To see product label including ingredients, directions and warnings, click here.

What people are saying about Calagel

"Just wanted to share my story regarding your product.
I am a resident of Columbus, Ohio and grew up in Northwest Ohio. At age 45 I endured my first experience of poison ivy. I began with a small rash one week prior to leaving for a week long trip to Southeastern Wyoming. The day before I left for Wyoming I contacted my doctor asking if he could recommend something else to use to help to control my poison ivy. I was using medicated IVAREST and it wasn't helping. My doctor recommended using hydrocortisone cream. I left for vacation, and 5 days later I had the rash everywhere. When I couldn't take it another moment, we happened to pass a drug store with a pharmacy in the town of Custer, South Dakota. I went inside showed the pharmacist my rash, and he recommended CalaGel. I was provided relief very quickly. It took the itch away within minutes, and started drying out the rash within a day or so. I was amazed and extremely pleased with your product. I was able to enjoy the last part of our vacation. I have since recommended it to family and friends, and they are also enjoying the relief the product provides.
Thanks for providing such a great product!" - JG, Pickerington, Ohio

"I would just like to take a minute to tell you that I just tried your CalaGel today and it is wonderful!!!! I am 52 years old and have been tormented all my life with poison oak/ivy....If I could tell the difference, I probably would not be getting in it so much... My latest bout with this annoying little plant came from my pet Border Collie, Jake....I tried to tell him to stay out of the poison oak growing on the hill, but you know how dogs are????? Anyway, a girl I work with told me about your product so I purchased a bottle, not thinking it would really work...W O W!...was I wrong...In the past, I have had shots, steroid packs, and a long line of messy creams and nothing worked as well as CalaGel... Thanks again!" - S. G., Sparta, TN

"To whom it may concern:
My son broke out last evening with a severe case of poison ivy. He came to me around 2:00 am and he was covered with the horrible red rash. I went to Wal-Mart and normally I buy calamine lotion or Benadryl, but they usually take about three applications to see any results. I saw CalaGel with a trail size bottle of Tecnu in one pack and decided to give it a try. When I got home, I applied both lotions to him, as directed. He didn't complain anymore during the night. When I woke up this morning, the rash was almost gone. Now you need to understand my son's history. He is in remission from cancer and where his immune system is still not that strong, he is very allergic to poison ivy, oak and bug bites affect him worse than normal. I generally take him to the doctor and they administer a shot of steroids to clear his rashes. Anyway, I would recommend this medication to anyone with a rash. Your product is amazing. I thank you for making Tecnu and CalaGel. It made my job as a mom a little easier." - R. K.

"Relief, blessed relief! I have known about the Tec Laboratories products for a while and have used Tecnu quite often to both prevent and minimize the effects of the poison ivy I inadvertently come across while hiking. I recently had forgotten to apply a good coat of insect repellent while out hiking and came home with the worst case of chigger bites I had ever had. Seeking relief from the maddening itch, I saw your Calagel product in the itch relief section of the pharmacy. I knew that if anyone could make a product that would relieve the symptoms of chigger bites, Tec Labs would do it best.

Though not specifically for chigger bites, the Calagel started to work almost instantly in relieving the itching that those nasty critters had cursed me with. I was finally able to get a full night's sleep without waking myself up by scratching the bites. Thanks again for making a product that is not only better than the competition but is often less expensive as well. My medicine cabinet will always have your products in it." - M. L., Lawrenceville, GA

Disclaimer: Testimonials appearing on this site are real life experiences of those who have used our products. These are individual results, and we do not claim they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions
What causes poison ivy, oak and sumac rash?
It all boils down to the skin's reaction to a nasty little oil called urushiol (ooh-roo-she-all). Urushiol is a toxic, resinous type substance that is found in all parts of the poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. When urushiol gets on the skin it binds to the skin within 10-20 minutes. At that point the urushiol becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get off the skin with soap and water. The rash from poison ivy, oak and sumac is the body's natural reaction to the toxin. Contact with this annoying oil produces a rash in three out of four people. The rash can begin within a few hours after contact, or it can start three to five days later.
Where do poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac plants grow?
Poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac and other members of the Rhus family grow in all portions of the North American continent (except Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii) at elevations below 4,000 feet with a rainfall above eight inches per year.
What does a poison oak or poison ivy rash look like?
The rash starts with itchiness and swelling, followed by a reddish inflammation of tiny pimples. Blisters form and couple in a chain-like reaction, and a clear fluid oozes from the blisters. This fluid then hardens to a yellowish crust. Left untreated, the rash (a typical histamine response) will last three to five weeks.
What can I do to relieve the itching from poison oak or poison ivy?
There is no cure for the poison oak or poison ivy rash once it begins, only relief of the symptoms. Avoid further contact with the plant oil if possible. Be sure to wash the area with Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser or Tecnu Extreme™ Poison Ivy Scrub. Clean your tools, clothing and pets that have been exposed to the poison oak, ivy or sumac with Tecnu to avoid recontamination from the urushiol oil. Minor itching, pain, oozing and swelling caused by poison oak and poison ivy can be relieved with over-the-counter anti-itch treatments such as Tecnu Rash Relief™ spray, Calagel® medicated anti-itch gel or Corticool® 1% hydrocortisone gel. In severe cases, a physician can prescribe antihistamine creams, tablets or shots.
Do the blisters cause the rash to spread?
No, the blisters are the body's natural allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak and sumac plants. If the blisters break and ooze, the fluid does not contain the oil that causes spreading. Oil from the original contact with poison oak and poison ivy will continue spreading (unless removed) for the first one or two days. If new areas of rash appear after three days, you are most likely getting re-exposed to the plant oil from contaminated clothing, tools or even your cat or dog.
How long will a poison oak or poison ivy rash last?
Mild cases of poison oak or poison ivy can last five to 12 days. More severe cases can last 30 days or longer.
Can I get the rash from someone else?
Generally speaking, no. Once the rash appears (i.e., within 1-3 days), the original oil has all bonded to the skin, so it can't be spread to others.
Should I break the blisters?
Never break the blisters! An open blister can easily become infected and lead to blood poisoning. If the blisters break, cover loosely with a sterile bandage. In severe cases, contact your doctor.
I've never had the rash before. Can I get it now?
Yes, you can begin getting the rash at any time during your life. Three out of four people are sensitive to poison oak and poison ivy. Sensitivity is just a matter of being exposed enough times until the body has an allergic reaction to the poison oil.
Should I wrap or cover the rash with bandages?
Air is helpful to healing any wound. If you cover the rash with a sterile bandage, cover loosely to allow oxygen to reach the surface of the skin. It is important to keep the rash very clean; changing the sterile bandage frequently reduces the risk of infection. Seek medical attention if the rash becomes red, feverish, or shows other signs of infection.
Are dead poison oak or poison ivy plants safe to touch?
No, the poison oil remains toxic and does not evaporate. All parts of living or dead poison ivy, oak and sumac plants, including the roots, contain the urushiol oil. Be especially careful of dead poison oak and poison ivy vines on firewood and leafless vines in the winter.
Do I need to clean urushiol oil from clothing and tools?
Yes. The urushiol oil from poison oak and poison ivy plants will remain on these articles and can cause a rash months, or even years, later. Removal of the oil with Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser is important to avoid contaminating through secondary contact in the future.
Can I get the rash from my pets?
Yes. Since animals' fur protects their skin from the urushiol oil, they typically don't develop a rash. However, the oil will remain on their fur and may contaminate you when you touch them. Tecnu® Outdoor Skin Cleanser is safe to use on your pets to remove the oil from their fur.
Is it possible to get a rash by breathing the smoke of burning poison oak or poison ivy plants?
Yes. Urushiol can be carried in the smoke from burning leaves or brush. If you think you have inhaled the oils, see your physician immediately; this can be a very serious condition. In several states it is illegal to burn poisonous plants. Never burn them! Avoid breathing the smoke.
Does bleach remove the urushiol oil or help heal the rash?
No. Bleach may appear to be a quick fix to a poison oak or poison ivy rash. However, bleach removes the top layer(s) of your skin. Using it can irritate your skin and in the process weaken it so that the rash may become worse, or it could lead to an infection. Your skin may then become more sensitive to getting the rash in the future.
Plant Identification

Poison Oak: In the United States, poison oak is found along the Pacific Coast of North America including Washington, Oregon and California, as well as along the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern United States westward to Texas and Oklahoma. The plant can grow as a dense shrub in open sunlight or a climbing vine in shaded areas. The three leaflets have scalloped edges resembling the leaves of a true oak and can be bronze, bright green, yellow-green or reddish depending on the season. Poison oak can produce greenish-white or tan berries.

Poison Ivy: Grows throughout much of North America including all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland (and the Territories) and all U.S. states except Alaska, Oregon, Hawaii and California. The plants can grow as a shrub, up to about 4 feet tall, as a groundcover, or as a climbing vine. The color of poison ivy's three almond-shaped leaflets range from light to dark green and turn bright red in the fall. Poison ivy berries are a grayish-white color.

Poison Sumac: Found in eastern United States as far west as Idaho and in Canada, poison sumac grows exclusively in very wet or flooded soils, usually in swamps or peat bogs. Poison sumac has compound leaves with 7-13 leaflets, and the veins from the leaflets are always red. The plant grows as a shrub and produces fruit that is a small white or gray berry.
*Photo courtesy of Minnesota Tree Card Advisors

For more information on poison ivy, oak and sumac:

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Poison_IvyOakSumac.htm

National Park Service Public Health Program
http://www.nps.gov/public_health/inter/info/factsheets/fs_pivy.htm

Facts and Fiction about Poison Oak&Ivy
 
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