Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Some Home Remedies for Poison Ivy?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

Poison ivy is a plant that can cause rashes and itching in a person who comes into contact with its leaves. While it takes a while for poison ivy to run its course and leave the body, there are several ways to alleviate the itching and speed up the healing process. The first step to take after coming in contact with poison ivy is to wash all objects and body parts that came in contact with the plant. This is because the itching is caused by the urushiol oil within the plant. This oil can last on objects and continue to be spread long after contact has been made.

If the itching is unbearable, running the affected area beneath very hot water can help bring relief, though it will briefly feel worse at first. Within a few hours after exposure to the plant, it is helpful to rub alcohol all over the area of the skin that came in contact with the plant. After thoroughly washing the area with alcohol, it should then be washed with water. Alcohol is beneficial because it helps draw out the urushiol oil before it has time to settle in the skin and cause a rash to develop.

Using an oatmeal based lotion can soothe a poison ivy rash.
Using an oatmeal based lotion can soothe a poison ivy rash.

After blisters form, they should be covered with sterile gauze in order to prevent infection. It is also helpful to rub aloe vera juice on the affected area first, as it will help stop the itching and prevent blistering. Aloe vera can be applied to the rash every two hours.

Apple cider vinegar can also help reduce itching from poison ivy rashes. It should be mixed with one part water and one part alcohol, then dabbed on to the rash and allowed to dry. This concoction can be reapplied to the rash as often as necessary.

Poison ivy.
Poison ivy.

A baking soda mixture can also be beneficial. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and mix until the baking soda has dissolved. Then, wash the poison ivy rash with the mixture or let it sit on the affected area. Baking soda is good at drying out the blisters and drawing out infection.

Discussion Comments

spasiba

One way I noticed some relief from the itching was by putting cool, wet washcloth on the rash. It would temporarily help the itching and somewhat reduce the redness. I have read, but not tried myself, that taking a hot bath before bedtime will help reduce the itching for up to 8 hours. The water should be as hot as one is able to bear.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Using an oatmeal based lotion can soothe a poison ivy rash.
      By: Melanie DeFazio
      Using an oatmeal based lotion can soothe a poison ivy rash.
    • Poison ivy.
      By: epantha
      Poison ivy.
    • The aloe vera plant can be used to treat the itching and inflammation caused by poison ivy.
      By: cedrov
      The aloe vera plant can be used to treat the itching and inflammation caused by poison ivy.
    • A man with poison ivy blisters on his hand.
      By: Wild Geese
      A man with poison ivy blisters on his hand.
    • Poison ivy can cause severe itching.
      By: Adam Gregor
      Poison ivy can cause severe itching.
    • When applied topically, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itching that poison ivy causes.
      By: AgathaLemon
      When applied topically, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itching that poison ivy causes.
    • Baking soda and water can dry blisters and draw out infection.
      By: Vidady
      Baking soda and water can dry blisters and draw out infection.
    • Sterile gauze should be used to cover a poison ivy wound once it has blistered.
      By: design56
      Sterile gauze should be used to cover a poison ivy wound once it has blistered.
    • The area exposed to poison ivy should be covered with sterile gauze to prevent further infection.
      By: Vivian Seefeld
      The area exposed to poison ivy should be covered with sterile gauze to prevent further infection.
    • A poison ivy rash may appear as a red, itchy rash marked by bumps.
      By: librakv
      A poison ivy rash may appear as a red, itchy rash marked by bumps.