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MotherBear wrote:Immediately after exposure, washing with hot water and soap (I prefer dish soap) can help. It's the plant oil that affects you, so you're trying to wash the oil off your skin before it starts to bother you. Hot water alone just spreads it.

After it's really started itching I've never found anything I consider truly satisfactory... maybe calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream? I seem to recall that my mom had some luck with Benadryl after a very severe reaction once -- her face was all swollen and it was pretty bad.

As far as the plant itself, you want to pull it up by the roots (very, very carefully, through gloves and/or a trash bag, while wearing long sleeves and long pants and so on) and dispose of it. DO NOT burn it. If you can't completely get rid of it (say, there's more on the other side of your property line), get rid of what you can and then periodically spray the area with something like Round Up Poison Ivy Killer to keep it from encroaching.

I use Remedy (by Dow Ag) mixed with diesel. So as not to damage a tree, I'll chop the vine near the base, and carefully "paint" the cut and downward.

If you're aware that you have gotten into The Vine, washing well with TECHNU a few times may help. As others have said, once the oil binds with one's skin , the damage is done. We keep a large bottle handy at the farm. I've found it online. Those tiny bottles from drug stores are too expensive . I've heard others use DAWN dish soap. Be sure to wash any clothing in hot water with extra soap.

I know you asked for a home remedy. I haven't found one that works for me. My GMa used to say use clorox and some water. If I get a case, which happens now and then when clearing fence lines, I just give in and call the doc. I use Clobetasol Propionate ointment, a steroid. It releaves the itching and shrinks the pustules. If you've had it going on for a few days without any treatment, and its pretty bad, it could be time for a doc visit and a shot. The same cream works well on fire ant bites for me.

If it gets bad, oooozzing and all that, be careful of infections.

The areas that the vines were on the tree will have a residual of the oils for some time. Disposal of the vine parts should be done carefully as well. Burning them will release the oils into the smoke. Also remember-- clothing, boots, gloves, etc you used may be contaminated with the oils. Wash them with Dawn/Technu. The same goes for any tools . Wash them in soap or a solvent (like Varsol) or you may experience memories of the tree house project again.