Seventeen DIY Treatments for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are common plants found throughout the United States, with an estimated 10 to 50 million cases of allergic reactions occurring each year, making it the single most common cause of allergic reactions in the country [1][2].

If you find yourself with a rash from one of these plants, there are several home remedies that can help ease symptoms while the rash naturally resolves. Here are some of the key treatments:

Calamine lotion: Dab a thin layer of calamine lotion onto the affected area 3-4 times a day to soothe itching and dry the rash [1][2][5].
Oatmeal baths: Colloidal oatmeal baths can help relieve itchiness and minor skin irritation. To make a bath, add finely ground oatmeal to warm water and soak for 15-20 minutes [1][2][5].
Cool, wet compresses: Applying a clean, cool, damp cloth to the rash can help calm the skin and reduce oozing [2][5].
1% hydrocortisone cream: Apply this cream to reduce inflammation, but only as directed, especially for children [2].

It's important to avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps on the rash as this can worsen irritation and itching [1][2]. Additionally, keeping nails trimmed can prevent skin damage from scratching and reduce the risk of infection [2].

Other home remedies include: - Rinsing the affected area with vinegar can help tame itches [2]. - Placing ice-cold compresses on the rash for a few minutes every hour may provide relief [2]. - Bathing in lukewarm water mixed with oatmeal or baking soda may help dry oozing blisters and soothe irritated skin [1][2]. - A paste of baking soda and water can be spread on the affected area and refreshed every two hours for a total of 3 applications each day [2]. - Pouring a cup of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and taking a soak may help [2]. - Burow's solution, a product sold without a prescription, can soothe and relieve mild rashes when applied as a compress [2]. - The sap from an aloe vera leaf can help treat poison ivy rash through its anti-inflammatory constituents [1].

If the rash is severe or widespread, or if signs of infection develop, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for prescription treatments [1][3]. The rash usually heals in about ten days, but for the very sensitive population, it can take up to three weeks to clear if left untreated [1].

To prevent the spread of the rash, it's crucial to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and lots of water as soon as possible after exposure. Rinse before using soap to reduce the risk of spreading the oil. Additionally, washing down exposed areas with rubbing alcohol and then rinsing well with water may help extract some oil from the skin [1].

Remember, touching the oil after initial contact is what spreads the rash, so it's important to wash your clothes and any camping, hunting, or fishing gear as soon as possible to prevent further spread.

Poison ivy is found east of the Rockies, poison oak grows in the West and Southwest, and poison sumac thrives east of the Mississippi River [3]. If you suspect you've had a close encounter with any of these plants, be sure to wash your clothes thoroughly to prevent transferring the oil to rugs or furniture.

References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2020, September 10). Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: First aid. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/poison-ivy-oak-or-sumac/basics/art-20057471 [2] NIH. (2021, January 20). Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Treatment. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000724.htm [3] AAPCC. (2020, September 1). Poison ivy, oak, and sumac. https://www.aapcc.org/poison-guide/poison-plant/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac [4] WebMD. (2020, July 28). Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: Overview. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac-overview [5] Healthline. (2021, March 25). How to treat poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash. https://www.healthline.com/health/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac-rash-treatment#home-remedies

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