How to Treat Poison Ivy

Have you ever been out camping and hiking, only to return to camp covered in an itch and uncomfortable rash? If so, you were probably exposed to poison ivy. Poison Ivy is a plant that causes a skin rash to form all over your body, also known as contact dermatitis. This uncomfortable, red, and itchy rash can show up in streaks or lines on the body and is also characterized by fluid filled blisters or bumps and raised areas called hives. This rash is caused by oil found in the plant called urushiol. This particular oil is found in every part of the plant from the leaves to the roots and is a natural allergen. The oil found in poison ivy causes an allergic reaction in most people who come in contact with it - hence causing the rash to form. Poison ivy is found all over the United States and in Canada. This rash once formed can take two weeks to heal, so in order to help you become more comfortable during this time, here are some steps to follow in treating poison ivy.

Step 1: You must wash everything that has come in contact with the plant. The oil stays on your clothes and can be spread to others. Do not use detergent, alcohol, or fancy poison ivy soap - regular soap will work fine. You can wash off about 50% of the oil from the poison ivy within 10 minutes of exposure. After 30 minutes, only 10 percent can be removed and after an hour, all of the oil will have been absorbed the skin. So it's imperative to wash as soon as you believe you were exposed, this can help reduce the rash and remove the plant oil that is causing it.

Step 2: Apply wet and cool compresses to itchy areas.

Step 3: Place 5 cups of ground oatmeal or baking soda into a cool bath and jump in and soak for 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: You can also add Epsom salts or baking soda to your baths as well. Make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply to rash to alleviate itching and pain.

Step 5: Use any lotions or cream with calamine, these will help treat the rash and keep it from itching.

If the rash is so severe that none of these methods are working, then it would be wise to follow up with a dermatologist.