Men who have been exposed to poison oak or poison ivy need to take quick steps to prevent the poisonous oil from penetrating and spreading, according to the University of Texas Health Center at Houston. Poison oak is prevalent on the West Coast of the United States, and poison ivy is found in most areas other than deserts. The plants contain a toxic oil called urushiol that causes an allergic reaction in the skin.
Bathe Quickly
The University of Texas Health Center recommends removing the oils from the skin as quickly as possible. The oils can remain active on clothes, pets and equipment for a month. It can spread to furniture and reinfect the skin if not properly cleansed from all objects that have had contact with the plants. The sooner the oils are removed from the skin, the less deeply they will penetrate.
Oatmeal Baths
Bathing in oatmeal can relieve itching, reports the American Academy of Dermatology. Oatmeal is soothing and reduces inflammation. Use warm or lukewarm water, as hot water can make itching worse.
Ice Packs
Ice and cool compresses cool the skin and stop itching. A gel pack applied to the area of the rash reduces swelling and inflammation, as well.
Baking soda
The University of Texas Health Center advises using baking soda. A paste made with water is easy to apply directly to infected areas, or baking soda can be added to a bath to treat the whole body. Use lukewarm water, not hot.
Warning: Avoid Burning Leaves
While burning leaves in the autumn, insure that no poison ivy is in the burn pile, as inhaling the plant oils is also toxic. This can lead to facial and throat swelling, itchy eyes and a burning sensation in the lungs, according to the University of Texas Health Center.
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