Q: Can you tell me the best way to disrobe and launder my work
clothes after I mess with poison ivy?  — Paul, Columbia, IL  A:
Roger Cook replies: Poison ivy contains a sticky, resinlike
substance called urushiol, an oil so potent that even a tiny
amount of it can cause an excruciating, itchy rash. One touch of
a leaf or stem is all it takes to get the oil on you. Then
simply scratching your skin or wiping your brow is enough to
spread it around. Anything that causes the oil to become
airborne — mowing, using a string trimmer, or burning the plants
— can also bring on the dreaded rash.  To get out of my work
clothes, I first take off as much as I can with my work gloves
on, making sure that the gloves don't touch skin. Then I remove
my gloves and finish with my clothes, and wash up with soap and
cold water. When I want to be extra cautious, I rub a poison-ivy
wash (such as Oak-N-Ivy Brand Technu Barrier cream) anywhere
that might have been exposed to the oil, particularly my face,
ears, arms, and hands. (If y