Poison Ivy Treatment

Poison ivy rash usually goes away within a few weeks and treatment can be done personally at home. However, if you experience any of the following, please see your doctor immediately:

• If  large portions of your body are covered by the rash and blisters
• If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or breathing
• If you are experiencing constant itching over a long period of time
• If you experience swelling, especially on the lid of your eyes
• If the rash develops in pubic area or on your face.

Treating the rash at home

Steps recommended by dermatologists when treating the rash at home:

• If you came in contact with the poison ivy plant, rinse the urushiol oil of your skin with warm water immediately.

• It is very important to remove and wash the clothes you were wearing during the time of contact with the poison ivy plant. The urushiol oil can also stick to clothing and any contact made may cause another rash to develop.   
• Make sure you wash everything that has the urushiol oil on its surface: such as pet fur, tools and other objects etc.

Important

 

When treating this rash, dermatologist’s recommend that you:

• Please do not use any antihistamine on your skin as this can cause the rash and itching to get worst. 

• Do not use a hydrocortisone cream or lotion. These relieve only very mild cases. 

How long does the rash from poison ivy last?

The rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. During this time, your skin can itch.

How to stop the itching?

While the skin is healing itching may occur, it is advised not to scratch because scratching can cause infection.

Dermatologists recommend the following home remedies to ease the itch: 

Oatmeal bath- Draw a warm bath in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, as it helps to smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal can be bought at your local drug store. 

Calamine lotion: This is a medicine traditionally used to relieve itching and soothe minor skin irritations. Apply this to skin that itches.

Cool compresses: You can make a cool compress by running a clean washcloth under cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.

Baking soda bath: Prepare a warm bath and add 1 cup of baking soda. Baking soda is one of the most common home remedy for itchy skin that treats all types of itches. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural acid neutralizer.

Antihistamine pills: Antihistamine pills are used to relieve the symptoms of the rash from poison ivy, but you should not apply an antihistamine to your skin. If you apply antihistamine to your skin it may cause the rash and the itch to get worst. 

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Video- How to Treat Poison Ivy 

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