Poison ivy is a vine in the sumac family called Anacardiaceae. Exposure to the plant toxins, called urushiol, cause a skin rash. Poison ivy grows everywhere in the U.S. except in the western states. Swelling and a rash develop within 24 hours after exposure. An exception is those with a poison ivy allergy, who may begin to experience symptoms after four hours, according to Dr. William Epstein on the Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Information Center website. Symptoms of the rash include blisters, swelling and itching.
Bathing
After exposure, bathing prevents further contamination. The University of Virginia advises washing all exposed clothing. Poison ivy does not spread from person to person, or by touching the blisters or rash, but it can spread if the oils from the plant remain on the skin or clothes. Therefore, bathing prevents further contamination of the individual and others. Bathing within the first five minutes of exposure is the best way to prevent the oils from causing a rash. After 10 minutes, the oils penetrate the skin. The University of Illinois, Springfield recommends bathing with soap and water within the first 30 minutes, if possible, to reduce the irritation from the toxic oils that remain on the skin.
Salt
The Nursing Online Database recommends rubbing salt on the skin after poison ivy exposure. Wet table salt can calm itchy skin and prevent further spread of the rash.
Oatmeal
The University of Maryland recommends an oatmeal bath to reduce itching. Place a cup of ground oatmeal into the bath water, or make a paste of oatmeal and warm water to apply directly to the infected area.
Cold Compress
Keeping the infected area cool reduces itching. Place a cool compress to the skin. Use a gel pack or cool washcloth, or put ice chips in a plastic bag and place it on the rash.
Baking Soda
The University of Illinois, Springfield recommends a baking soda solution to reduce itching of a poison ivy rash. You can add a half cup of baking soda to a bath, or moisten a teaspoon of baking soda to place directly on the affected skin.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash - Treatment
- Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac information Center: Poison Ivy
- Nursing Online Database: The At-Home Nurse: 101 At-Home Remedies For Common Ailments
- University of Virginia: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak
- The University of Illinois, Springfield: Poison ivy
