Poison ivy and poison oak grow in most areas of the United States. Poison oak and ivy are shrubs or vines that contain a poisonous oil called urushiol. It penetrates the skin within minutes of contact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Within 12 to 72 hours, itching, redness, swelling and blisters develop. The best cure is prevention, so avoiding contact with these three-leaved plants in the woods is recommended.
Soap and Water
Prompt removal of the oils from the skin is the best way to prevent continued contamination. Wash tools, pets, clothes or any equipment that contacted the urishol, as the oils can remain active for many months. The University of California at Santa Cruz recommends bathing with soap and water, or using alcohol wipes. Bathing within 30 minutes of contact with the plants prevents the oils from penetrating into the skin more deeply.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal soothes skin and reduces itching, advises the America Academy of Dermatology. It recommends an oatmeal bath to reduce pain, itching and inflammation caused by poison ivy and poison oak.
Honey
Honey, a centuries-old remedy for healing wounds, can be applied directly to the rash, even if the skin is broken, advises the Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps reduce the redness, itch and swelling. This is applied as a paste or the baking soda can be added to a warm bath. Hot water tends to aggravate poison oak and poison ivy rashes, so use tepid water in the bath.
Wet Compresses
Wet compresses can reduce swelling, advises the University of California Santa Cruz. The early stages of the rash can be reduced this way. Use lukewarm or cool water, because heat aggravates the rash. The University of Texas Health Center at Houston suggests cold baths or ice packs to soothe the itching.
Avoid Scratching
Poison ivy and poison oak rash does not spread from the infected vesicles, however the oils may remain on the skin and cause continued break outs, so that the rash seems to spread because of itching. Itching will not reduce the rash and can cause scarring.
Aloe Vera
The gel from the aloe vera plant contains skin soothing nutrients for the skin. The University of Texas Health Center at Houston states that many commercial creams contain aloe, so using a leaf from the plant or an extract can help remove the itching from the toxic oil.
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