Why Is Urushiol So Bad?

When urushiol interacts with skin cells called Langerhans cells, the CD1a proteins (which are expressed by Langerhans cells) activate the immune system's T cells. In turn, the T cells produce two proteins – interleukin 17 and interleukin 22 – which cause inflammation and itchiness.

What does urushiol do to your skin?

Urushiol causes an eczematous contact dermatitis characterized by redness, swelling, papules, vesicles, blisters, and streaking. People vary greatly in their sensitivity to urushiol.

What will neutralize urushiol?

The best treatment for exposure to urushiol is rubbing alcohol (in a pinch vodka or gin works, but only if you rub on, not drink it), which is a solvent that neutralizes the urushiol. If used within four hours of exposure, it will leach urushiol out of the skin.