[jluetjen]

Calumine lotion is over the counter and works pretty well. An Oatmeal bath (Aveno) can help with the itching.

As far as the plants, Poison Ivy and Poison Oak are genetically the same plant, it's just that oak grows in the sun while ivy grows in the shade. Learn to recognize it quickly (Three leaves green). I've gotten to the point now where I can easily spot lush growths of it while riding on my bike. When you see it, spray Round-Up aggressively for a week or two should knock it down. Other stuff like plastic sheets may clear a spot, but not kill the plant. It's an ivy and sends out runners underground. Just killing off and area or uprooting part of it will not kill the plant. As far as I can tell, Round-Up does kill the plant, but you have to spray the whole area that has it, not just a part.