Poison ivy is the skin condition that occurs with direct or indirect contact with urushiol, a secret oil present in the poison ivy plant. It may cause rashes on the skin. No worries! here are the best home remedies for poison ivy and get rid of poison ivy.
Table of Contents
Causes of Poison Ivy Rash
You may cause poison ivy rash by:
- Direct contact with poison ivy plant
- A touching item with contain oily resin from poison ivy
outdoor activities may cause poison ivy:
- Landscaping
- Gardening
- Fishing
- Farming
- Forestry
- Camping
- Hunting
Signs And Symptoms of Poison Ivy Rash
Some of the sign of poison ivy rash:
- Swollen
- Itchy
- Red
- Blistered
Home Remedies for Poison Ivy
Here some of the natural remedies to treat poison ivy:
1. Banana peel
Banana peel cools the itch. The banana has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to inflammation and itching of poison ivy rash and also protect yours with other infection (1),(2).
How to Use It
- Rub inside of the banana peel on the affected area
- Let it be for 10 – 15 minutes
- Wash with clean water
- Repeat it 2 to 3 time in a day
Read: Home Remedies for Boils
2. Baking soda
Baking soda speeds up recovery. Baking soda has pH neutralize properties that restore the pH of your blistered skin and encourage healing of the skin rash. It also has antibacterial properties helps to prevent other skin infections (3).
How to Use It
- Add 2 tsp of baking soda with 2 glass of water and mix well
- Take few Sterile gauze pads and soak in the solution
- Place the pads on the rashes
- Let it be for 10 minutes
- Remove pads and wash with clean water
- Repeat it 2 to 3 time in the day for a few days
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera beats the burn! The active compounds in aloe vera have soothing, antifungal, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce and treat poison ivy rash (4), (5), (7).
How to Use It
- Take an aloe vera gel and apply on poison ivy rash
- Dry it and apply again as required
- Repeat several times in a day
Rea: Home Remedies for Rash Under Breast
4. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol prevents spreading the rash. By rubbing alcohol can eliminate urushiol from the skin and prevent spreading. A study says that urushiol can on the surface of an item that contacts the poison ivy plant. It can remain for several years until you rub it water or alcohol.
How to Use It
- Rub alcohol on the affected area after contact of the poison ivy plant
- It removes the urushiol from the surface and slows down spreading
5. Lemon juice
The lemon is acid in nature which helps to neutralize the blistered skin and dry faster. Lemon juice has vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching (8).
How to Use It
- Mis 1 tsp of lemon juice with 1 tbsp of carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil)
- Apply this solution on the rash
- Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes
- Rinse with clean water
- Repeat it alternative days for 2 – 3 weeks
Read: How to Use Lemon For Acne
6. Cold compresses
Cold compresses may reduce rash! By apply wet or cold compresses reduce inflammation and itching.
How to Use It
- Take a clean washcloth and run in cold water
- Wring off the excess water from the cloth
- Apply over the rash for 15 to 30 minutes
- You can do several times in a day
You also use other astringent liquid like apple cider vinegar, black tea, and aluminum acetate to get rid of poison ivy rash
7. Cucumber
Cucumber can clam the rash. The cooling effect of cucumber can soothe the rash. It is one of the simplest home remedies for poison ivy rash.
How to Use It
- You can cut the cucumber into slices and keep on the affected area
- You can also smash it as paste and apply on it
- let it be for a few minutes and rinse with water
Read: Home Remedies for Acne
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can kill the poison. ACV is in acidic in nature, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are is an excellent remedy to treat poison ivy rash (9).
How to Use It
- Add 2 tbsp of ACV in 1-2 glass of water and mix well
- Soak few Sterile gauze pads in the mixture
- Place the pad over the rashes and leave then for 5 to 10 minutes
- Remove pads and rinse with water
- You can do this 2 – 3 time in a day
9. Oatmeal bath
An oatmeal bath may soothe the itch! Oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy rash (10), (11).
How to Use It
- Add 1 cup of powdered oatmeal in a tub with water
- Soak in the water or bath for 20 – 30 minutes
- You can also oatmeal pouch directly on the rash
- Repeat it at least once in a day
Read: Home Remedies for Dark Circles
10. Shower or bathe
Running water lessens severity! Washing or bath or shower immediate after contact helps to reduce the severity of the rash and minimize the spending. Avoid hot water it may cause irritation.
How to Do
- Wash the affect arad with cold water after contact with poison ivy plant
- If you have soap in handy yo can wash or shower or bath.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with a doctor when rash:
- Near mouth, eyes or genitals
- Not improve for 7 to 10 days
- Cover and spread a large portion of the body
- Contain yellow scabs and pus
Bottom line
Try to cover your body and hand to prevent contact with the poison ivy plant. Try these home remedies for poison ivy rash. If the rash not responding for this home treatment then immediately consult a dermatologist.
Reference
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0190962295902376
- http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2012;volume=78;issue=2;spage=142;epage=145;aulast=Pazyar
- https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/treating-poison-ivy-ease-the-itch-with-tips-from-dermatologists
- https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049342.htm
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac#causes