I'll add the grain of salt...
Urushiol, the stuff in poison ivy that causes the allergic reaction is barely soluble in water, alcohol is better but not even alcohol will do the trick once it is absorbed into the skin, which happens within 10 minutes or less. Soap & water or Technu are effective.
As someone who gets poison ivy by just talking about it and has been in the hospital twice from it, I always carry soap in some form. Small packets of soap leaves marketed by Coleman and others are great or a small bottle of Camp Suds in a pocket is the best way to wash off if you come in contact. Having some soap has other benefits in the event nature calls.
I also carry Technu wipes in case the contact comes when water isn’t handy. The only disadvantage to any type of wipe in a packet is despite being sealed, they eventually dry out so you may end up with something that is useless when you need it. Soap never goes anywhere, especially the soap leaves.
The bottom line is urushiol sensitivity INCREASES with contact so avoidance if possible or washing off quickly is the key to DECREASED sensitivity. If you are lucky enough to think you are not allergic, don’t take chances with contact and no one should try any folk medicine methods like eating the stuff.
Many experts believe everyone is allergic to urushiol but in varying degrees. Deliberate exposure may put you in a place you don’t want to be.
