Can Zanfel prevent me from getting poison ivy?
No. Zanfel actually removes the toxin, urushiol oil, from the skin after contact has been made with the plant. There is no need to use it until you are certain you contacted the plant or when swelling and itching begin. In this way, you avoid wasting the product. Even if you use barrier or preventive creams, they may not always be effective and they do not shield your clothing. Oil on your clothing may contaminate you when you undress. Also, you can spread the toxin by touching contaminated clothing to other surfaces such as sleeping bags, bedding, upholstery, or carpeting (it may be on your shoes, and shoestrings). For these reasons and more, keep Zanfel on hand even if you use preventive creams.
