Poison ivy is everywhere around here, and poison ivy treatment is just a normal part of summer. As uncomfortable as that thought is, it’s just a fact of life around these parts. Poison ivy is everywhere in the woods, and when you spend as much time in the woods as we do, you’re bound to run into it at least a few times.
Unfortunately, poison ivy can cause one of the itchiest rashes you’ve ever experienced. Coming in contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can even cause blisters. The aftermath of a poison ivy encounter can be maddening!
Here are a few tips to hep minimize the effects of poison ivy…
Prevent Poison Ivy Itch
You won’t have to deal with poison ivy treatment or frustration if you can prevent the itchy rash in the first place!
Identify and Avoid Poison Ivy
There are three types of poison ivy plants that you need to be able to identify and avoid.
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Poison Sumac
The best thing you can do to avoid a poison ivy dance is to avoid the three plants above altogether. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to avoid
Wash Off Poison Ivy
Unfortunately, encountering poison isn’t always completely avoidable. If you do come in contact with poison ivy, you can possibly prevent or at least minimize the effects by washing off the oils that cause an itchy poison ivy rash. Use soap and warm water to wash any areas that have been exposed to the plants. You can also use alcohol to remove the oils. It’s also important to remove and wash any clothes or shoes that have come in contact with the plants as well. This may not prevent a rash completely, but it should help remove at least some of the oils.
Home Poison Ivy Treatment
If you do happen to get into poison ivy and an itchy rash develops, it’s not the end of the world. There are a quite a few things you can use for poison ivy treatment…
Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is the most recommended over-the-counter poison ivy treatment. This pink lotion can be found in most stores and it’s relatively inexpensive. Just rub the lotion on the itchy rash for some relief.
Jewelweed
Jewelweed is also sometimes used as a natural poison ivy treatment. Just crush the leaves and rub it on the effected area. You can also brew a strong jewelweed tea and rub it on a poison ivy rash for some itch relief. Freeze any extra jewelweed tea and use the frozen concoction on the rash later for some cool and soothing itch relief.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best home poison ivy treatment options! Pour some uncooked oatmeal in a sock or nylon, wet it with hot water and apply it to the poison ivy rash to calm and soothe. You can also grind some oatmeal, tie it in a sock, and add it to a lukewarm bath. The bath itself is a great way to soothe inflammation and itch too.
Baking Soda
Make a pate of three parts baking soda and one part water and spread it on a poison ivy rash. The baking soda will help neutralize and soothe the area as it dries. When it’s completely dry, just brush it off and rinse the skin with cool water.
Cool Compress
A simple poison ivy treatment is a cold compress. Lay a cold wet washcloth over the poison ivy rash, which should help relieve swelling and itch. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
Do you have any other tried and true poison ivy treatment methods? Tell us in the comments below!
