"Leaves of three, don't touch me" and "leaves of three, let them be" may be familiar safety reminders to those who played outside in the woods or attended summer camp as a child. The rashes and discomfort associated with poison ivy take some time to heal, but home remedies such as baking soda may help ease the plant's effects.
Problems Caused by Poison Ivy
The oil in poison ivy, urushiol, causes the reactions associated with the poison ivy plant. When urushiol comes in contact with skin, it rapidly burns the surface layers, causing a rash and blisters. The skin burns, dries and peels, all of which cause pain and intense itching. Over time, healthy skin will emerge to replace the damaged skin.
Treatment for Mild Cases
The most basic poison ivy remedies are aimed at soothing the rash and discomfort associated with the skin's reaction to the plant's oil. They also help the damaged skin dry up and peel away so healthy skin can begin to surface. According to MayoClinic.com, a bath in cool water with baking soda or an oatmeal-based product will help relieve itching and soothe the rash. A concentrated paste of baking soda and water spread directly on the affected areas provides prompt relief of the burning and itching. Commercial corticosteroid creams and calamine lotion are also excellent choices, according to the Poison Ivy Cure website.
Treatment for Severe Cases
Severe cases of poison ivy require professional medical attention, particularly if the rash is virulent or on sensitive parts of the body, such as the face or groin area. Rare allergic reactions need emergency treatment to prevent serious complications. If someone inhales the smoke from burned poison ivy plants, severe consequences may result, including burns to the lungs, sinuses and airways; this also requires immediate medical attention.
Poison Ivy Myths
While baking soda is one of the natural or home remedies that actually is effective in responding to poison ivy, others should be avoided completely. The old advice about placing heated compresses or blowing dry hot air on the rashes can cause more harm than good. Placing rags dampened with bleach on the rash not only does not help, but can actually create more damage by causing a chemical burn on the already damaged skin.
