Just wanted to let you folks know, the VERY HOT water trick really does work. I speak from first hand recent experience.
I have poison ivy on both arms, stood outside of my shower started with hot water, then kept turning up the hot water little by little until I got to the point that it almost hurt. While doing this the itching was crazy, I mean it itched like crazy. I let the VERY HOT water soak one arm at a time for about 1-2 minutes. As soon as I took the arm out of the VERY HOT water the itching stopped. I mean it stopped within seconds.
It's been a couple of hours now and no itching. I'll let you know of any progress.
Oh and by the way, I have the hydrocortizon cream standing by just in case.