Poison Ivy Remedies

How to treat poison ivy rash? Here is a list of poison ivy remedies that may provide poison ivy relief. Included in this article are ways to prevent poison ivy.

If your skin touches urushiol which is the oil or sap found in poison ivy, poison oak and sumac, the oil will penetrate your skin within minutes. Unless you take immediate remedial action, your skin will become red and itchy and poison ivy rash will appear followed by blisters within the next 12 to 48 hours. The itching and blisters can last from 10 days to several weeks and may form scars.

Poison ivy remedies No. 1 - Wash with water

Once you suspect that your skin has come in contact with poison ivy, the first thing to do to prevent poison ivy rash is to thoroughly wash off the oil with water. If you are out camping and can't find running water, dip in a nearby lake.

Poison ivy remedies No. 2 - Wash with rubbing alcohol

If you have rubbing alcohol, you can use it to wash down the urushiol from the affected area of your skin. The next thing to do is to rinse the area thoroughly with water.

Poison ivy remedies No. 3 - Soak your clothes and gears

Soak and then rinse whatever you were using if you were exposed to poison ivy. This includes your shoes, camping gear or gardening tools. Wash your clothes in the washing machine. The water will deactivate the oil. For items that you can't soak and rinse, wipe them with a cloth that has been soaked with rubbing alcohol or use alcohol wipes.

Poison ivy remedies No. 4 - Use cold compress

Use the cold compress when the rash has appeared and your skin starts to itch. Wrap ice cubes using a thin wash cloth and place it on the affected area. Repeat the process until the itching stops.

Poison ivy remedies No. 5 - Hot shower

The severe itching can lead to sleepless nights. Another remedy to stop the itch is to take a hot shower. Start with tepid water and gradually increase the temperature just hot enough for you to stand it without scalding your skin. After taking the hot shower, apply aloe vera gel or cream to soothe your skin.

Poison ivy remedies No. 6 - Soak your skin

Another poison ivy remedy is to soak your skin. One of the ways is to soak in 3 parts of Epsom salt or dead sea salt and mix it with one part of water. You can also try adding oatmeal or baking soda to lukewarm water. This poison ivy treatment may help dry the blisters and soothe your skin.

Poison ivy remedies No. 7 - Herbal treatments

1. Jewelweed or impatiens herb which contains a chemical called lawsone is one of the best known home remedies for poison ivy. If you can find jewelweed nearby, rub the fresh leaves on the affected are. If you are prone to poison ivy, blend the leaves, chill it and use it whenever the need arises.
   
   
   Over the counter products such as poison ivy rash relief spray, bar soap, liquid extract and tincture that contain jewelweed extract are also available if you can't find the fresh herb.
   
   
   
2. The leaves of plantain or plantago major is another herb that may provide relief from the itching caused by poison ivy. Plantain extract is available in the form of cream, liquid extract and tinctures.
   
   
   
3. Apply aloe vera gel on your skin for relief. You may also want to try mixing it with tea tree oil and jewelweed or plantain.
   
   
   
4. Tea tree oil which has antiseptic properties may help in treating poison ivy. The active compounds in the oil can relieve the itch and treat the rash and blisters. You may have to apply the oil several times every few hours. If your skin is sensitive, dilute the oil with water.
   
   
   
5. Soapwort herb or saponaria officinalis which contains saponins can be used as a treatment for poison ivy rash and itch.
   
   
   
6. Yellow dock herb or rumex crispus boiled in white vinegar may also provide poison ivy relief.

Poison Ivy Prevention

1. You must recognize the plant. Poison ivy may look like fragrant sumac, box elder and Virginia creeper. It can also twine around English ivy. So learn to identify it so that you can avoid it. One of the ways to recognize the weed is noticing that it has three divided leaves with the center leaflet on a longer stalk with white and waxy berries along the stem.
   
   
   

   

   
   
2. Remove the weeds from your yard using a weed killer or herbicide. This is necessary if you have pets because the oil will stick to them and transfer it to you and your furniture.
   
   
   
3. Protect your skin when you go outdoors. Wear something to cover it and also apply over the counter barrier lotion or cream to block the poison.
   
   
   
4. Remember that the oil remains in the poison ivy plants for years even after they are dried and dead. So, rinse your outdoor items and tools such as lawn mower, bicycle tires and other items that might have come in contact with the poison.
   
   
   
5. Don't burn the weeds to avoid inhaling the oil from the smoke.
   
   
   
6. Use disposable gloves when you do your gardening or clearing the weeds at your backyard.

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