Poison Ivy Treatment

Overview

Poison ivy is a three-leaved vine that contains an oil called urushiol that causes an itchy and irritating reaction to human skin. Poison ivy causes trouble once it comes into direct contact with human skin. This typically occurs when gardening or hiking through the woods. Poison ivy will cause small blisters to form that often weep the urushiol and cause the rash to spread. Treating poison ivy is done by trying to contain the blisters and seeking relief from the constant itching and skin irritation.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a type of medication that is used to treat poison ivy. It works at reducing the swelling, burning and itching caused by urushiol. For severe cases of poison ivy, a physician's prescription many be needed. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and foams can be found in drug stores and mass merchant stores. The area should be cleaned and dried before applying the cream or foam. Apply the cortisone medicine as needed, as long as itching persists.

Compresses

One way to relieve the hot itch caused from poison ivy may be by applying a cold or ice compress. This can be done by taking a gel ice pack or a bag of ice with a towel wrapped around it and applying it directly to the area affected by poison ivy. The compress works at relieving itch and inflammation because of the cold temperature of the pack. The pack also reduces swelling and helps cool and numb the skin.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a popular method used for treating poison ivy. The calamine lotion works at soothing and protecting the skin. The lotion needs to be applied with a cotton pad or swab because it is in more of a liquid form. The lotion is then lightly dabbed on to the affected areas. Urushiol oils that are weeping out of the skin can be dried up with the help of calamine lotion. The calamine also cools the skin and soothes itchiness.

Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath offers an all-natural way to comfort the skin affected by poison ivy. An oatmeal bath can be bought over the counter or it can be homemade. A homemade recipe includes using 1 cup of oatmeal per 5 gallons of water. Any type of oatmeal will suffice. Some people prefer to ground up the oats in a food processor to a fine powder and then add to the bath. The oatmeal bath should be used after most of the oils have stopped weeping from the skin. The bath can be either warm or cool, depending on personal preference.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has long been a homeopathic and all-natural cure-all for many ailments. It is also an inexpensive way to treat poison ivy. Baking soda is also referred to as sodium bicarbonate. The carbon dioxide formed when baking soda is mixed with warm water causes a bubbling reaction. For poison ivy treatment, a ¼ cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of water should create a thick paste. This paste then can be applied to affected areas to provide itch relief.