What is the recommended first step if poison ivy oils may be on your skin after paddling?

• A. Wash skin with soap and water to remove oils
• B. Rinse with only cold water without soap
• C. Ignore it and continue paddling
• D. Scrub with sand until irritated

Answer: (A)

Poison ivy oils cling to skin and gear, and removing them quickly reduces the chance of a dermatitis reaction. The best first step is washing the skin with soap and water to emulsify and rinse away the oils. Water alone isn’t as effective at removing oil, and scrubbing with sand hurts the skin and can spread the oil, while ignoring it allows the oil to cause a reaction. After washing, also clean any gear or clothing that may have touched the oil to prevent re-exposure.