What must be done before applying a topical treatment for poison ivy?

Washing the affected area with soap and water before applying a topical treatment for poison ivy is crucial for several reasons. It helps to remove the resin from the plant, known as urushiol, which can cause the allergic reaction. If this resin is not cleaned off the skin, it can continue to cause irritation and rashes even after applying treatment.

Using soap and water also reduces the risk of spreading the urushiol to other parts of the body or to other people. This step is essential to minimize the severity of the reaction and can significantly help alleviate symptoms.

Covering the area with a bandage or applying heat might not address the underlying issue of urushiol still being present on the skin, and scrubbing the skin with a brush could potentially irritate the skin further, exacerbating the reaction instead of treating it. Therefore, washing the area is the most effective first step.