Am currently battling (3rd year in a row, worst outbreak ever) the bane of all gardeners--Poison Ivy. I've been pulling up the vines, barehanded, for years, but this year I decided to cut them, too. BIG mistake!! Fortunately, my PCP prescribed what the following site recommends, so I've had medical assistance in my misery. I HIGHLY recommend anyone who even thinks they may have PI go to this site.
http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/welcome.html
I've just tried the 'Hair Dryer' method to treat the itching & it DOES work. Just don't look @ the 'Rash Hall of Fame' if you've got a weak stomach.